Sounding in multicarrier wireless communications

ABSTRACT

A wireless device transmits one or more sounding reference signals in parallel with transmission of at least one of a first preamble and a first packet. The wireless device is configured to not transmit a first sounding reference signal if at least one of the following conditions is satisfied: a) the first sounding reference signal transmission and a second preamble transmission coincide in the same subframe of the same cell group, b) the wireless device has insufficient power to transmit the first sounding reference signal in parallel with at least one of a third preamble and a second packet.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/590,366, filed Jan. 25, 2012, entitled “Carrier Groups inMulticarrier Networks,” and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/618,830,filed Apr. 1, 2012, entitled “Timing Management in Wireless Networks,”and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/625,078, filed Apr. 16, 2012,entitled “Physical Channel Transmission in Multicarrier Networks,” whichare hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Examples of several of the various embodiments of the present inventionare described herein with reference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram depicting example sets of OFDM subcarriers as per anaspect of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram depicting an example transmission time and receptiontime for two carriers in a carrier group as per an aspect of anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagram depicting OFDM radio resources as per an aspect ofan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a base station and a wireless device as peran aspect of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram depicting a system for transmitting datatraffic over an OFDM radio system as per an aspect of an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 6 is a diagram depicting uplink transmission timing of one or morecells in a first timing advance group (TAG) and a second TAG as per anaspect of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an example message flow in a random access process in asecondary TAG as per an aspect of an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 8 shows example TAG configurations as per an aspect of anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an example physical random access channel (PRACH)configuration in a primary TAG (pTAG) and a secondary TAG (sTAG) as peran aspect of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing example parallel transmission of a randomaccess preamble with SRS, PUCCH, or PUSCH signals as per an aspect of anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is an example flow diagram illustrating a mechanism to exchangeradio capability parameters as per an aspect of an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 12 is an example flow diagram illustrating a process forcalculating transmission powers as per an aspect of an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 13 is an example flow diagram illustrating a process for soundingreference signal transmission as per an aspect of an embodiment of thepresent invention; and

FIG. 14 is an example flow diagram illustrating parallel transmission ofa random access preamble with other uplink packets as per an aspect ofan embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Example embodiments of the present invention enable operation ofmultiple timing advance groups. Embodiments of the technology disclosedherein may be employed in the technical field of multicarriercommunication systems. More particularly, the embodiments of thetechnology disclosed herein may relate to operation of multiple timingadvance groups.

Example embodiments of the invention may be implemented using variousphysical layer modulation and transmission mechanisms. Exampletransmission mechanisms may include, but are not limited to: CDMA (codedivision multiple access), OFDM (orthogonal frequency divisionmultiplexing), TDMA (time division multiple access), Wavelettechnologies, and/or the like. Hybrid transmission mechanisms such asTDMA/CDMA, and OFDM/CDMA may also be employed. Various modulationschemes may be applied for signal transmission in the physical layer.Examples of modulation schemes include, but are not limited to: phase,amplitude, code, a combination of these, and/or the like. An exampleradio transmission method may implement QAM (quadrature amplitudemodulation) using BPSK (binary phase shift keying), QPSK (quadraturephase shift keying), 16-QAM, 64-QAM, 256-QAM, and/or the like. Physicalradio transmission may be enhanced by dynamically or semi-dynamicallychanging the modulation and coding scheme depending on transmissionrequirements and radio conditions.

FIG. 1 is a diagram depicting example sets of OFDM subcarriers as per anaspect of an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in thisexample, arrow(s) in the diagram may depict a subcarrier in amulticarrier OFDM system. The OFDM system may use technology such asOFDM technology, SC-OFDM (single carrier-OFDM) technology, or the like.For example, arrow 101 shows a subcarrier transmitting informationsymbols. FIG. 1 is for illustration purposes, and a typical multicarrierOFDM system may include more subcarriers in a carrier. For example, thenumber of subcarriers in a carrier may be in the range of 10 to 10,000subcarriers. FIG. 1 shows two guard bands 106 and 107 in a transmissionband. As illustrated in FIG. 1, guard band 106 is between subcarriers103 and subcarriers 104. The example set of subcarriers A 102 includessubcarriers 103 and subcarriers 104. FIG. 1 also illustrates an exampleset of subcarriers B 105. As illustrated, there is no guard band betweenany two subcarriers in the example set of subcarriers B 105. Carriers ina multicarrier OFDM communication system may be contiguous carriers,non-contiguous carriers, or a combination of both contiguous andnon-contiguous carriers.

FIG. 2 is a diagram depicting an example transmission time and receptiontime for two carriers as per an aspect of an embodiment of the presentinvention. A multicarrier OFDM communication system may include one ormore carriers, for example, ranging from 1 to 10 carriers. Carrier A 204and carrier B 205 may have the same or different timing structures.Although FIG. 2 shows two synchronized carriers, carrier A 204 andcarrier B 205 may or may not be synchronized with each other. Differentradio frame structures may be supported for FDD (frequency divisionduplex) and TDD (time division duplex) duplex mechanisms. FIG. 2 showsan example FDD frame timing. Downlink and uplink transmissions may beorganized into radio frames 201. In this example, radio frame durationis 10 msec. Other frame durations, for example, in the range of 1 to 100msec may also be supported. In this example, each 10 ms radio frame 201may be divided into ten equally sized sub-frames 202. Other subframedurations such as including 0.5 msec, 1 msec, 2 msec, and 5 msec mayalso be supported. Sub-frame(s) may consist of two or more slots 206.For the example of FDD, 10 subframes may be available for downlinktransmission and 10 subframes may be available for uplink transmissionsin each 10 ms interval. Uplink and downlink transmissions may beseparated in the frequency domain. Slot(s) may include a plurality ofOFDM symbols 203. The number of OFDM symbols 203 in a slot 206 maydepend on the cyclic prefix length and subcarrier spacing.

FIG. 3 is a diagram depicting OFDM radio resources as per an aspect ofan embodiment of the present invention. The resource grid structure intime 304 and frequency 305 is illustrated in FIG. 3. The quantity ofdownlink subcarriers or resource blocks (RB) (in this example 6 to 100RBs) may depend, at least in part, on the downlink transmissionbandwidth 306 configured in the cell. The smallest radio resource unitmay be called a resource element (e.g. 301). Resource elements may begrouped into resource blocks (e.g. 302). Resource blocks may be groupedinto larger radio resources called Resource Block Groups (RBG) (e.g.303). The transmitted signal in slot 206 may be described by one orseveral resource grids of a plurality of subcarriers and a plurality ofOFDM symbols. Resource blocks may be used to describe the mapping ofcertain physical channels to resource elements. Other pre-definedgroupings of physical resource elements may be implemented in the systemdepending on the radio technology. For example, 24 subcarriers may begrouped as a radio block for a duration of 5 msec. In an illustrativeexample, a resource block may correspond to one slot in the time domainand 180 kHz in the frequency domain (for 15 KHz subcarrier bandwidth and12 subcarriers).

According to some embodiments, a radio resource framework using OFDMtechnology may be employed. Alternative embodiments may be implementedemploying other radio technologies. Example transmission mechanismsinclude, but are not limited to: CDMA, OFDM, TDMA, Wavelet technologies,and/or the like. Hybrid transmission mechanisms such as TDMA/CDMA, andOFDM/CDMA may also be employed.

FIG. 4 is an example block diagram of a base station 401 and a wirelessdevice 406, as per an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention.A communication network 400 may include at least one base station 401and at least one wireless device 406. The base station 401 may includeat least one communication interface 402, at least one processor 403,and at least one set of program code instructions 405 stored innon-transitory memory 404 and executable by the at least one processor403. The wireless device 406 may include at least one communicationinterface 407, at least one processor 408, and at least one set ofprogram code instructions 410 stored in non-transitory memory 409 andexecutable by the at least one processor 408. Communication interface402 in base station 401 may be configured to engage in communicationwith communication interface 407 in wireless device 406 via acommunication path that includes at least one wireless link 411.Wireless link 411 may be a bi-directional link. Communication interface407 in wireless device 406 may also be configured to engage in acommunication with communication interface 402 in base station 401. Basestation 401 and wireless device 406 may be configured to send andreceive data over wireless link 411 using multiple frequency carriers.According to some of the various aspects of embodiments, transceiver(s)may be employed. A transceiver is a device that includes both atransmitter and receiver. Transceivers may be employed in devices suchas wireless devices, base stations, relay nodes, and/or the like.Example embodiments for radio technology implemented in communicationinterface 402, 407 and wireless link 411 are illustrated are FIG. 1,FIG. 2, and FIG. 3. and associated text.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram depicting a system 500 for transmitting datatraffic generated by a wireless device 502 to a server 508 over amulticarrier OFDM radio according to one aspect of the illustrativeembodiments. The system 500 may include a Wireless CellularNetwork/Internet Network 507, which may function to provide connectivitybetween one or more wireless devices 502 (e.g., a cell phone, PDA(personal digital assistant), other wirelessly-equipped device, and/orthe like), one or more servers 508 (e.g. multimedia server, applicationservers, email servers, or database servers) and/or the like.

It should be understood, however, that this and other arrangementsdescribed herein are set forth for purposes of example only. As such,those skilled in the art will appreciate that other arrangements andother elements (e.g., machines, interfaces, functions, orders offunctions, etc.) may be used instead, some elements may be added, andsome elements may be omitted altogether. Further, as in mosttelecommunications applications, those skilled in the art willappreciate that many of the elements described herein are functionalentities that may be implemented as discrete or distributed componentsor in conjunction with other components, and in any suitable combinationand location. Still further, various functions described herein as beingperformed by one or more entities may be carried out by hardware,firmware and/or software logic in combination with hardware. Forinstance, various functions may be carried out by a processor executinga set of machine language instructions stored in memory.

As shown, the access network may include a plurality of base stations503 . . . 504. Base station 503 . . . 504 of the access network mayfunction to transmit and receive RF (radio frequency) radiation 505 . .. 506 at one or more carrier frequencies, and the RF radiation mayprovide one or more air interfaces over which the wireless device 502may communicate with the base stations 503 . . . 504. The user 501 mayuse the wireless device (or UE: user equipment) to receive data traffic,such as one or more multimedia files, data files, pictures, video files,or voice mails, etc. The wireless device 502 may include applicationssuch as web email, email applications, upload and ftp applications, MMS(multimedia messaging system) applications, or file sharingapplications. In another example embodiment, the wireless device 502 mayautomatically send traffic to a server 508 without direct involvement ofa user. For example, consider a wireless camera with automatic uploadfeature, or a video camera uploading videos to the remote server 508, ora personal computer equipped with an application transmitting traffic toa remote server.

One or more base stations 503 . . . 504 may define a correspondingwireless coverage area. The RF radiation 505 . . . 506 of the basestations 503 . . . 504 may carry communications between the WirelessCellular Network/Internet Network 507 and access device 502 according toany of a variety of protocols. For example, RF radiation 505 . . . 506may carry communications according to WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperabilityfor Microwave Access e.g., IEEE 802.16), LTE (long term evolution),microwave, satellite, MMDS (Multichannel Multipoint DistributionService), Wi-Fi (e.g., IEEE 802.11), Bluetooth, infrared, and otherprotocols now known or later developed. The communication between thewireless device 502 and the server 508 may be enabled by any networkingand transport technology for example TCP/IP (transport controlprotocol/Internet protocol), RTP (real time protocol), RTCP (real timecontrol protocol), HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) or any othernetworking protocol.

According to some of the various aspects of embodiments, an LTE networkmay include many base stations, providing a user plane (PDCP: packetdata convergence protocol/RLC: radio link control/MAC: media accesscontrol/PHY: physical) and control plane (RRC: radio resource control)protocol terminations towards the wireless device. The base station(s)may be interconnected with other base station(s) by means of an X2interface. The base stations may also be connected by means of an Siinterface to an EPC (Evolved Packet Core). For example, the basestations may be interconnected to the MME (Mobility Management Entity)by means of the S1-MME interface and to the Serving Gateway (S-GW) bymeans of the S1-U interface. The S1 interface may support a many-to-manyrelation between MMEs/Serving Gateways and base stations. A base stationmay include many sectors for example: 1, 2, 3, 4, or 6 sectors. A basestation may include many cells, for example, ranging from 1 to 50 cellsor more. A cell may be categorized, for example, as a primary cell orsecondary cell. When carrier aggregation is configured, a wirelessdevice may have one RRC connection with the network. At RRC connectionestablishment/re-establishment/handover, one serving cell may providethe NAS (non-access stratum) mobility information (e.g. TAI-trackingarea identifier), and at RRC connection re-establishment/handover, oneserving cell may provide the security input. This cell may be referredto as the Primary Cell (PCell). In the downlink, the carriercorresponding to the PCell may be the Downlink Primary Component Carrier(DL PCC), while in the uplink, it may be the Uplink Primary ComponentCarrier (UL PCC). Depending on wireless device capabilities, SecondaryCells (SCells) may be configured to form together with the PCell a setof serving cells. In the downlink, the carrier corresponding to an SCellmay be a Downlink Secondary Component Carrier (DL SCC), while in theuplink, it may be an Uplink Secondary Component Carrier (UL SCC). AnSCell may or may not have an uplink carrier.

A cell, comprising a downlink carrier and optionally an uplink carrier,is assigned a physical cell ID and a cell index. A carrier (downlink oruplink) belongs to only one cell, the cell ID or Cell index may alsoidentify the downlink carrier or uplink carrier of the cell (dependingon the context it is used). In the specification, cell ID may be equallyreferred to a carrier ID, and cell index may be referred to carrierindex. In implementation, the physical cell ID or cell index may beassigned to a cell. Cell ID may be determined using the synchronizationsignal transmitted on a downlink carrier. Cell index may be determinedusing RRC messages. For example, when the specification refers to afirst physical cell ID for a first downlink carrier, it may mean thefirst physical cell ID is for a cell comprising the first downlinkcarrier. The same concept may apply to, for example, carrier activation.When the specification indicates that a first carrier is activated, itequally means that the cell comprising the first carrier is activated.

Embodiments may be configured to operate as needed. The disclosedmechanism may be performed when certain criteria are met, for example,in wireless device, base station, radio environment, network, acombination of the above, and/or the like. Example criteria may bebased, at least in part, on for example, traffic load, initial systemset up, packet sizes, traffic characteristics, a combination of theabove, and/or the like. When the one or more criteria are met, theexample embodiments may be applied. Therefore, it may be possible toimplement example embodiments that selectively implement disclosedprotocols.

Example embodiments of the invention may enable operation of multipletiming advance groups. Other example embodiments may comprise anon-transitory tangible computer readable media comprising instructionsexecutable by one or more processors to cause operation of multipletiming advance groups. Yet other example embodiments may comprise anarticle of manufacture that comprises a non-transitory tangible computerreadable machine-accessible medium having instructions encoded thereonfor enabling programmable hardware to cause a device (e.g. wirelesscommunicator, UE, base station, etc.) to enable operation of multipletiming advance groups. The device may include processors, memory,interfaces, and/or the like. Other example embodiments may comprisecommunication networks comprising devices such as base stations,wireless devices (or user equipment: UE), servers, switches, antennas,and/or the like.

According to some of the various aspects of embodiments, serving cellshaving an uplink to which the same time alignment (TA) applies may begrouped in a TA group (TAG). Serving cells in one TAG may use the sametiming reference. For a given TAG, a user equipment (UE) may use onedownlink carrier as the timing reference at a given time. The UE may usea downlink carrier in a TAG as the timing reference for that TAG. For agiven TAG, a UE may synchronize uplink subframe and frame transmissiontiming of the uplink carriers belonging to the same TAG. According tosome of the various aspects of embodiments, serving cells having anuplink to which the same TA applies may correspond to the serving cellshosted by the same receiver. A TA group may comprise at least oneserving cell with a configured uplink. A UE supporting multiple TAs maysupport two or more TA groups. One TA group may contain the PCell andmay be called a primary TAG (pTAG). In a multiple TAG configuration, atleast one TA group may not contain the PCell and may be called asecondary TAG (sTAG). Carriers within the same TA group may use the sameTA value and the same timing reference. In this disclosure, timingadvance group, time alignment group, and cell group have the samemeaning. Further, time alignment command and timing advance command havethe same meaning.

FIG. 6 is a diagram depicting uplink transmission timing of one or morecells in a first timing advance group (TAG1) and a second TAG (TAG2) asper an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention. TAG1 mayinclude one or more cells, TAG2 may also include one or more cells. TAGtiming difference in FIG. 6 may be the difference in UE uplinktransmission timing for uplink carriers in TAG1 and TAG2. The timingdifference may range between, for example, sub micro-seconds to about 30micro-seconds.

FIG. 8 shows example TAG configurations as per an aspect of anembodiment of the present invention. In Example 1, pTAG include PCell,and sTAG includes SCell1. In Example 2, pTAG includes PCell and SCell1,and sTAG includes SCell2 and SCell3. In Example 3, pTAG includes PCelland SCell1, and sTAG1 includes SCell2 and SCell3, and sTAG2 includesSCell4. Up to four TAGs may be supported and other example TAGconfigurations may also be provided. In many examples of thisdisclosure, example mechanisms are described for a pTAG and an sTAG. Theoperation with one example sTAG is described, and the same operation maybe applicable to other sTAGs. The example mechanisms may be applied toconfigurations with multiple sTAGs.

According to some of the various aspects of embodiments, TA maintenance,pathloss reference handling and the timing reference for pTAG may followLTE release 10 principles. The UE may need to measure downlink pathlossto calculate the uplink transmit power. The pathloss reference may beused for uplink power control and/or transmission of random accesspreamble(s). A UE may measure downlink pathloss using the signalsreceived on the pathloss reference cell. The pathloss reference downlinkcell and the corresponding uplink cell may be configured to be in thesame frequency band due to the required accuracy of pathloss estimation.For SCell(s) in a pTAG, the choice of pathloss reference for cells maybe selected from and be limited to the following two options: a) thedownlink SCell linked to an uplink SCell using the system informationblock 2 (SIB2), and b) the downlink pCell. The pathloss reference forSCells in pTAG may be configurable using RRC message(s) as a part ofSCell initial configuration and/or reconfiguration. According to some ofthe various aspects of embodiments, PhysicalConfigDedicatedSCellinformation element (IE) of an SCell configuration may include thepathloss reference SCell (downlink carrier) for an SCell in pTAG.

The downlink SCell linked to an uplink SCell using the systeminformation block 2 (SIB2) may be referred to as the SIB2 linkeddownlink of the SCell. Different TAGs may operate in different bands. Inanother example, the signals in different TAGs may travel throughdifferent repeaters, or the signal of one SCell in an sTAG may travelthrough a repeater while the signal of another TAG may not go throughthe repeater. Having flexibility in SCell pathloss referenceconfiguration for SCells belonging to an sTAG may result in pathlossestimation errors due to mobility of wireless device. The wirelessdevice may autonomously change a timing reference SCell in an sTAG, butchanging pathloss reference autonomously may result in confusion in theserving eNB, specially that different cells may have different transmitpower. Therefore, both eNB configuration flexibility and autonomous UEpathloss selection for an SCell in sTAG may result in errors in pathlossestimation. For an uplink carrier in an sTAG, the pathloss reference maybe only configurable to the downlink SCell linked to an uplink SCellusing the system information block 2 (SIB2) of the SCell. No otherdownlink carrier may be configured as the pathloss reference for anSCell in an sTAG. This configuration may introduce accuracy in pathlossestimation.

According to some of the various aspects of embodiments, a UE maysuccessfully complete a random access procedure from the reception of arandom access response (RAR) message within the random access (RA)response window using a random access radio network temporary identifier(RA-RNTI). The UE may decode scheduling information for uplinktransmission in the PDCCH common search space (CSS) with RA-RNTI.According to some of the various aspects of embodiments, in addition tothe time alignment command (TAC) field, RAR for a PCell and/or SCell maycontain at least one of the following: a Random Access PreambleIdentifier (RAPID), a UL grant, a Temporary C-RNTI, a Backoff Indicator(BI), and/or the like. RAPID may be used to confirm the associationbetween RAR and the transmitted preamble. The UL grant may be employedfor uplink transmission on the cell that the preamble was transmitted.Temporary C-RNTI may be used for contention resolution in case ofcontention based random access (CBRA). A backoff Indicator (BI) may beused in case of collisions and/or high load on PRACH.

To obtain initial uplink (UL) time alignment for an sTAG, eNB mayinitiate an RA procedure. In an sTAG, a UE may use one of any activatedSCells from this sTAG as a timing reference cell. In an exampleembodiment, the timing reference for SCells in an sTAG may be the SIB2linked downlink of the SCell on which the preamble for the latest RAprocedure was sent. There may be one timing reference and one timealignment timer (TAT) per TA group. TAT for TAGs may be configured withdifferent values. When the TAT associated with the pTAG expires: allTATs may be considered as expired, the UE may flush all HARQ buffers ofall serving cells, the UE may clear any configured downlinkassignment/uplink grants, and the RRC in the UE may release PUCCH/SRSfor all configured serving cells. When the pTAG TAT is not running, ansTAG TAT may not be running. When the TAT associated with sTAG expires:a) SRS transmissions may be stopped on the corresponding SCells, b) SRSRRC configuration may be released, c) CSI reporting configuration forthe corresponding SCells may be maintained, and/or d) the MAC in the UEmay flush the uplink HARQ buffers of the corresponding SCells.

Upon deactivation of the last SCell in an sTAG, the UE may not stop TATof the sTAG. In an implementation, upon removal of the last SCell in ansTAG, TAT of the TA group may not be running. RA procedures in parallelmay not be supported for a UE. If a new RA procedure is requested(either by UE or network) while another RA procedure is already ongoing,it may be up to the UE implementation whether to continue with theongoing procedure or start with the new procedure. The eNB may initiatethe RA procedure via a PDCCH order for an activated SCell. This PDCCHorder may be sent on the scheduling cell of this SCell. When crosscarrier scheduling is configured for a cell, the scheduling cell may bedifferent than the cell that is employed for preamble transmission, andthe PDCCH order may include the SCell index. At least a non-contentionbased RA procedure may be supported for SCell(s) assigned to sTAG(s).Upon new UL data arrival, the UE may not trigger an RA procedure on anSCell. PDCCH order for preamble transmission may be sent on a differentserving cell than the SCell in which the preamble is sent. TA groupingmay be performed without requiring any additional UE assistedinformation.

FIG. 7 is an example message flow in a random access process in asecondary TAG as per an aspect of an embodiment of the presentinvention. eNB transmits an activation command 600 to activate an SCell.A preamble 602 (Msg1) may be sent by a UE in response to the PDCCH order601 on an SCell belonging to an sTAG. In an example embodiment, preambletransmission for SCells may be controlled by the network using PDCCHformat 1A. Msg2 message 603 (RAR: random access response) in response tothe preamble transmission on SCell may be addressed to RA-CRNTI in PCellcommon search space (CSS). Uplink packets 604 may be transmitted on theSCell, in which the preamble was transmitted.

According to some of the various aspects of embodiments, initial timingalignment may be achieved through a random access procedure. This mayinvolve the UE transmitting a random access preamble and the eNBresponding to an initial TA command NTA (amount of time alignment)within the random access response window. The start of the random accesspreamble may be aligned with the start of the corresponding uplinksubframe at the UE assuming NTA=0. The eNB may estimate the uplinktiming from the random access preamble transmitted by the UE. The TAcommand may be derived by the eNB based on the estimation of thedifference between the desired UL timing and the actual UL timing. TheUE may determine the initial uplink transmission timing relative to thecorresponding downlink of the sTAG on which the preamble is transmitted.

PDCCH order may be used to trigger RACH for an activated SCell. For anewly configured SCell or a configured but deactivated SCell, eNB mayneed to firstly activate the corresponding SCell and then trigger a RAon it. In an example embodiment, with no retransmission of anactivation/deactivation command, activation of an SCell may need atleast 8 ms, which may be an extra delay for UE to acquire the valid TAvalue on an SCell compared to the procedure on an already activatedSCell. For a newly configured SCell or a deactivated SCell, 8 ms may berequired for SCell activation, and at least 6 ms may be required forpreamble transmission, and at least 4 ms may be required to receive therandom access response. At least 18 ms may be required for a UE to get avalid TA. The possible delay caused by retransmission or otherconfigured parameters may need to be considered (e.g. the possibleretransmission of an activation/deactivation command, and/or the timegap between when a RA is triggered and when a preamble is transmitted(equal or larger than 6 ms)). The RAR may be transmitted within the RARwindow (for example, 2 ms, 10 ms, 50 ms), and possible retransmission ofthe preamble may be considered. The delay for such a case may be morethan 20 ms or even 30 ms if retransmissions are considered.

A base station may communicate with a mix of wireless devices. Wirelessdevices may support multiple technologies, or multiple releases of thesame technology, have some specific capability depending on the wirelessdevice category and/or capability. A base station may comprise multiplesectors. When this disclosure refers to a base station communicatingwith a plurality of wireless devices, this disclosure may refer to asubset of the total wireless devices in the coverage area. Thisdisclosure may refer to, for example, a plurality of wireless devices ofa given LTE release with a given capability and in a given sector of thebase station. The plurality of wireless devices in this disclosure mayrefer to a selected plurality of wireless devices, and/or a subset oftotal wireless devices in the coverage area, which perform according tothe disclosed methods, and/or the like. There may be many wirelessdevices in the coverage area that may not comply with the disclosedmethods, for example, because those wireless devices perform based onolder releases of LTE technology. A time alignment command MAC controlelement may be a unicast MAC command transmitted to a wireless device. Awireless device may receive its own time alignment commands.

According to some of the various aspects of various embodiments, thebase station or wireless device may group cells into a plurality of cellgroups. The term “cell group” may refer to a timing advance group (TAG)or a timing alignment group or a time alignment group. A cell group mayinclude at least one cell. A MAC TA command may correspond to a TAG. Agroup may explicitly or implicitly be identified by a TAG index. Cellsin the same band may belong to the same cell group. A first cell's frametiming may be tied to a second cell's frame timing in a TAG. When a timealignment command is received for the second cell, the frame timing ofboth first cell and second cell may be adjusted. Base station(s) mayprovide TAG configuration information to the wireless device(s) by RRCconfiguration message(s).

According to some of the various aspects of some embodiments, the numberof time alignment commands transmitted by the base station to a wirelessdevice in a given period may depend, at least in part, on manyparameters including at least one of: a) the speed that the wirelessdevice moves in the coverage area, b) the direction that the wirelessdevice moves in the coverage area, c) the coverage radius, and/or d) thenumber of active wireless devices in the coverage area. A base stationmay transmit at least two types of time alignment commands. A first typecommand may be transmitted to a first category of wireless devices. Thefirst category may include devices compatible with at least release 8,9, or 10 of the LTE standard. A second type command may be transmittedto a second category of devices. The second category may include deviceswith multi-time alignment group (MTG) capability and compatible withrelease 11 or beyond of the LTE standard. The time alignment may betransmitted to wireless devices that are in connected mode and areapplicable to active cells.

A UE may transmit a Scheduling Request (SR) and/or a buffer statusreport (BSR) due to uplink data arrival in the UE. A UE may transmit ascheduling request on PUCCH when the UE has data for uplink transmissionand UE do not have uplink grants for transmission of a buffer statusreport. The UE may receive uplink grant in response to a SR. A basestation scheduler may also provide an uplink grant to a UE for someother reasons, for example, based on a previous BSR. The UE may transmita MAC BSR in the uplink resources identified in an uplink grant toinform the base station about the size of the uplink transmissionbuffer(s). A UE BSR may be transmitted in an uplink resource identifiedin a received uplink grant. BSR indicates the amount of data in one ormore logical channel buffers. Base station may determine the radioresources required for the UE in the uplink employing the received BSRand other parameters, e.g. link quality, interference, UE category,and/or the like. If the base station determines that radio resources ofa first SCell which is uplink unsynchronized is required (the SCell maybe in-active or may not be even configured yet), the base station maytrigger an sTAG sync process to uplink synchronize the sTAG and thefirst SCell associated with the sTAG. The SCell should be in configured(e.g. using RRC messages) and be in active state (e.g. using MACactivate commands). An SCell is considered out-of-sync if it belongs toor will belong to (after RRC configuration) to an out-of-sync sTAG.

The sTAG sync process may also selectively be started by the basestation if a GBR bit rate bearer with required uplink resources has beenestablished. The Base station may determine the radio resources requiredfor the UE in the uplink employing the received bit rate, QoS andpriority requirements of the GBR bearer and other parameters, e.g. linkquality, interference, UE category, and/or the like. If the base stationdetermines that radio resources of a first SCell which is uplinkunsynchronized is required (the SCell may be in-active or may not beeven configured yet), the base station may trigger an sTAG sync processto uplink synchronize the sTAG and the first SCell associated with thesTAG. The SCell should be in configured (e.g. using RRC messages) and bein active state (e.g. using MAC activate commands) before uplinktransmission starts.

eNB may select to synchronize the sTAG and then activate/configure theSCell. eNB may select to first configure/activate SCell and then touplink synchronize it. For example, if an SCell is added and assigned toa synchronized sTAG, it will be synchronize upon its(re)configuration/addition. In another example, the SCell may beconfigured, then the sTAG may be synchronized using another SCell in thesTAG, and then the SCell may be activated. In another example, the SCellmay be configured/activated, and then sTAG synchronization may start.Different embodiments with different orders in tasks may be implemented.Random access process for an SCell can only be initiated on configuredand active SCells assigned to an sTAG.

In an example embodiment, in the sTAG sync process the base station maytrigger random access preamble transmission on an SCell of the sTAG thatthe SCell belongs, or on the first SCell in which its uplink resourcesare required. In this example, the first SCell belongs to an sTAG whichis uplink out-of-sync. In response to receiving a BSR and/or GBR bearerestablishment, the eNB may, selectively and depending on a plurality ofcriteria, transmit a PDCCH order to the UE and may cause the UE to starta RA procedure on an SCell in the sTAG (in case of carrier aggregation).A PDCCH order may be triggered by the BSR reception due to the UL dataarrival in the UE or by the establishment of GBR bearer with uplinkresource requirements. Preamble transmission may be triggered in thecase of UL data arrival, meaning that preamble transmission may betriggered by the BSR reception in the eNB and/or establishment of a nonGBR bearer with uplink data. Upon new UL data arrival, the UE may nottrigger an RA procedure on an SCell. The eNB may, selectively, triggerthe RA procedure based on the BSR reception due to UL data arrival inthe UE. eNB may consider many parameters in triggering an RA on anSCell. For example, parameters may include current eNB load, UE buffersize(s) in BSR report(s), UE category, UE capability, QoS requirements,GBR bearer requirements and/or the like. UE may determine that radioresources of the out-of-sync SCell may be required for uplink datatransmission.

In a second embodiment, in the sTAG sync process base station maytransmit a MAC timing advance command with a TAG index of theout-of-sync sTAG. The UE may use an stored value of N_TA for the out ofsync sTAG and apply the timing advance value in the MAC timing advancecommand to the stored N_TA of the sTAG. A UE may store or maintains N_TA(current timing advance value of an sTAG) upon expiry of associated timeAlignment Timer of the sTAG. The UE may apply the received timingadvance command MAC control element and starts associated time AlignmentTimer. This process may practically put the sTAG in an in-sync state.The base station may transmit one or more MAC timing advance commandsupon receiving uplink packets from the UE on the sTAG to align UE uplinktransmissions in the sTAG. It is up to eNB to select the first or secondembodiment for synchronizing the uplink of first SCell. For example, theeNB may operate in the second embodiment, if the SCell has not beenin-sync for a long time, or the sTAG has not been in-Sync since it hasbeen configured. In another example, the eNB may operate in the firstembodiment if the sTAG has recently entered an out-of-sync state. Inanother example, the eNB may operate in the second embodiment if theeNB-UE distance is relatively short, for example in the range of tens orhundreds of meters.

The mapping of a serving cell to a TAG may be configured by the servingeNB with RRC signaling. The mechanism for TAG configuration andreconfiguration may be based on RRC signalling. When needed, the mappingbetween an SCell and a TA group may be reconfigured with RRC signaling.In an example implementation, the mapping between an SCell and a TAG maynot be reconfigured with RRC while the SCell is configured. For exampleif there is a need to move an SCell from an sTAG to a pTAG, at least oneRRC message, for example, at least one RRC reconfiguration message, maybe send to the UE to reconfigure TAG configurations. The PCell may notchange its TA group and may always be a member of the pTAG.

According to some of the various aspects of embodiments, when an eNBperforms SCell addition configuration, the related TAG configuration maybe configured for the SCell. In an example embodiment, eNB may modifythe TAG configuration of an SCell by removing (releasing) the SCell andadding a new SCell (with the same physical cell ID and frequency) withan updated TAG ID. The new SCell with the updated TAG ID may beinitially inactive subsequent to joining the updated TAG ID. eNB mayactivate the updated new SCell and then start scheduling packets on theactivated SCell. In an example implementation, it may not be possible tochange the TAG associated with an SCell, but rather, the SCell may needto be removed and a new SCell may need to be added with another TAG.This may not require employing mobilityControlInfo in the RRCreconfiguration message.

An eNB may perform initial configuration based on initial configurationparameters received from a network node (for example a managementplatform), an initial eNB configuration, a UE location, a UE type, UECSI feedback, UE uplink transmissions (for example, data, SRS, and/orthe like), a combination of the above, and/or the like. For example,initial configuration may be based on UE channel state measurements. Forexample, depending on the signal strength received from a UE on variousSCells downlink carrier or by determination of UE being in a repeatercoverage area, or a combination of both, an eNB may determine theinitial configuration of sTAGs and membership of SCells to sTAGs.

In an example implementation, the TA value of a serving cell may change,for example due to UE's mobility from a macro-cell to a repeater or anRRH (remote radio head) coverage area. The signal delay for that SCellmay become different from the original value and different from otherserving cells in the same TAG. In this scenario, eNB may relocate thisTA-changed serving cell to another existing TAG. Or alternatively, theeNB may create a new TAG for the SCell based on the updated TA value.The TA value may be derived, for example, through eNB measurement(s) ofsignal reception timing, a RA mechanism, or other standard orproprietary processes. An eNB may realize that the TA value of a servingcell is no longer consistent with its current TAG. There may be manyother scenarios which require eNB to reconfigure TAGs. Duringreconfiguration, the eNB may need to move the reference SCell belongingto an sTAG to another TAG. In this scenario, the sTAG would require anew reference SCell. In an example embodiment, the UE may select anactive SCell in the sTAG as the reference timing SCell.

eNB may consider UE's capability in configuring multiple TAGs for a UE.UE may be configured with a configuration that is compatible with UEcapability. Multiple TAG capability may be an optional feature and perband combination Multiple TAG capability may be introduced. UE maytransmit its multiple TAG capability to eNB via an RRC message and eNBmay consider UE capability in configuring TAG configuration(s).

The purpose of an RRC connection reconfiguration procedure may be tomodify an RRC connection, (e.g. to establish, modify and/or release RBs,to perform handover, to setup, modify, and/or release measurements, toadd, modify, and/or release SCells). As part of the procedure, NASdedicated information may be transferred from E-UTRAN to the UE. If thereceived RRC Connection Reconfiguration message includes thesCellToReleaseList, the UE may perform an SCell release. If the receivedRRC Connection Reconfiguration message includes the sCellToAddModList,the UE may perform SCell additions or modification.

The parameters related to SCell random access channel may be common toall UEs. For example PRACH configuration (RACH resources, configurationparameters, RAR window) for the SCell may be common to all UEs. RACHresource parameters may include prach-configuration index, and/orprach-frequency offset. SCell RACH common configuration parameters mayalso include power: power ramping parameter(s) for preambletransmission; and max number of preamble transmission parameter. It ismore efficient to use common parameters for RACH configuration, sincedifferent UEs will share the same random access channel. Using dedicatedparameters for SCell RACH configuration is not preferred since it willincrease the size of the radio resources required for random accessprocess, and may reduce spectral efficiency.

eNB may transmit at least one RRC message to configure PCell, SCell(s)and RACH, and TAG configuration parameters. MAC-MainConfig may include atimeAlignmentTimerDedicated IE to indicate time alignment timer valuefor the pTAG. MAC-MainConfig may further include an IE including asequence of at least one (sTAG ID, and TAT value) to configure timealignment timer values for sTAGs. In an example, a first RRC message mayconfigure TAT value for pTAG, a second RRC message may configure TATvalue for sTAG1, and a third RRC message may configure TAT value forsTAG2. There is no need to include all the TAT configurations in asingle RRC message. In an example embodiment they may be included in oneor two RRC messages. The IE including a sequence of at least one (sTAGID, and TAT) value may also be used to update the TAT value of anexisting sTAG to an updated TAT value. The at least one RRC message mayalso include sCellToAddModList including at least one SCellconfiguration parameters. The radioResourceConfigDedicatedSCell(dedicated radio configuration IEs) in sCellToAddModList may include anSCell MAC configuration comprising TAG ID for the corresponding SCelladded or modified. The radioResourceConfigDedicatedSCell may alsoinclude pathloss reference configuration for an SCell. If TAG ID is notincluded in SCell configuration, the SCell is assigned to the pTAG. Inother word, a TAG ID may not be included inradioResourceConfigDedicatedSCell for SCells assigned to pTAG. TheradioResourceConfigCommonSCell (common radio configuration IEs) insCellToAddModList may include RACH resource configuration parameters,preamble transmission power control parameters, and other preambletransmission parameter(s). At the least one RRC message configuresPCell, SCell, RACH resources, and/or SRS transmissions and may assigneach SCell to an sTAG (implicitly or explicitly). PCell is alwaysassigned to the pTAG.

According to some of the various aspects of embodiments, a base stationmay transmit at least one control message to a wireless device in aplurality of wireless devices. The at least one control message is forexample, RRC connection reconfiguration message, RRC connectionestablishment message, RRC connection re-establishment message, and/orother control messages configuring or reconfiguring radio interface,and/or the like. The at least one control message may be configured tocause, in the wireless device, configuration of at least:

a) a plurality of cells. Each cell may comprise a downlink carrier andzero or one uplink carrier. The configuration may assign a cell groupindex to a cell in the plurality of cells. The cell group index mayidentify one of a plurality of cell groups. A cell group in theplurality of cell groups may comprise a subset of the plurality ofcells. The subset may comprise a reference cell with a referencedownlink carrier and a reference uplink carrier. Uplink transmissions bythe wireless device in the cell group may employ a synchronizationsignal transmitted on the reference downlink carrier as timingreference.

b) a plurality of MAC dedicated parameters comprising a sequence of atleast one element. An element in the sequence may comprises a timealignment timer value and a secondary time alignment group index. pTAGtime alignment timer value may be included as a dedicated IE in MAC mainconfiguration parameter (a dedicated IE). Each time alignment timervalue being selected, by the base station, from a finite set ofpredetermined values. The time alignment timer value in the sequence maybe associated with a cell group index that is specified in the sameelement. In an example embodiment, the element may also comprise thelist of cell indexes associated with the time alignment group index.

c) a time alignment timer for each cell group in the plurality of cellgroups.

The base station may transmit a plurality of timing advance commands.Each timing advance command may comprise: a time adjustment value, and acell group index. A time alignment timer may start or may restart whenthe wireless device receives a timing advance command to adjust uplinktransmission timing on a cell group identified by the cell group index.The cell group may be considered out-of-sync, by the wireless device,when the associated time alignment timer expires or is not running. Thecell group may be considered in-sync when the associated time alignmenttimer is running.

The timing advance command may causes substantial alignment of receptiontiming of uplink signals in frames and subframes of all activated uplinkcarriers in the cell group at the base station. The time alignment timervalue may be configured as one of a finite set of predetermined values.For example, the finite set of predetermined values may be eight. Eachtime alignment timer value may be encoded employing three bits. TAG TATmay be a dedicated time alignment timer value and is transmitted by thebase station to the wireless device. TAG TAT may be configured to causeconfiguration of time alignment timer value for each time alignmentgroup. The IE TAG TAT may be used to control how long the UE isconsidered uplink time aligned. It corresponds to the timer for timealignment for each cell group. Its value may be in number of sub-frames.For example, value sf500 corresponds to 500 sub-frames, sf750corresponds to 750 sub-frames and so on. An uplink time alignment iscommon for all serving cells belonging to the same cell group. In anexample embodiment, the IE TAG TAT may be defined as: TAGTAT::=SEQUENCE{TAG ID, ENUMERATED {sf500, sf750, sf1280, sf1920, sf2560,sf5120, sf10240, infinity}. Time alignment timer for pTAG may beindicated in a separate IE and may not be included in the sequence.

In an example, TimeAlignmentTimerDedicated IE may be sf500, and then TAGTAT may be {1, sf500; 2, sf2560; 3, sf500}. In the example, timealignment timer for the pTAG is configured separately and is notincluded in the sequence. In the examples, TAG0 (pTAG) time alignmenttimer value is 500 subframes (500 m-sec), TAG1 (sTAG) time alignmenttimer value is 500 subframes, TAG2 time alignment timer value is 2560subframes, and TAG3 time alignment timer value is 500 subframes. This isfor example purposes only. In this example a TAG may take one of 8predefined values. In a different embodiment, the enumerated valuescould take other values. The size of the sequence is 3 in the firstexample and 4 in the second example. In another example embodiment, thesize could be 2, 3, equal to the size of configured TAGs in the wirelessdevice, and/or the like.

FIG. 9 is an example physical random access channel (PRACH)configuration in a primary TAG (pTAG) and a secondary TAG (sTAG) as peran aspect of an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in theexample, PRACH resources are configured for the PCell in pTAG and SCell2and SCell3 in sTAG. SCell1 and SCell4 are not configured with PRACHresources. This is an example and other configurations are alsopossible. In an example embodiment, no SCell in pTAG is configured withPRACH resources. In another example embodiment, PRACH resources for anSCell in pTAG may be configured, but eNB is not configured to trigger apreamble transmission on PRACH resources of an SCell in pTAG. Basically,PRACH resources in SCells in pTAG cannot be used for preambletransmissions by a UE.

During the connection establishment process, an eNB may transmit a firstcontrol message to a wireless device (UE) on a primary downlink carrierof a PCell to establish a first signaling bearer with the UE on theprimary cell. The UE may transmit radio capability parameters from tothe base station. The radio capability parameters may be transmitted onthe first signaling bearer on a primary uplink carrier of the primarycell. In this process a wireless device (UE) may transfer UE radioaccess capability information from the UE to E-UTRAN (e.g. basestation). If the UE has changed its radio access capabilities, the UEmay request higher layers to initiate the necessary procedures thatwould result in the update of UE radio access capabilities, e.g., usinga new RRC connection. In an example, a base station may initiate theprocedure to a UE in RRC_CONNECTED when it needs (additional) UE radioaccess capability information.

According to some of the various aspects of embodiments, radiocapability parameters may include a parameter indicating support formultiple time alignment (MTA). Support for MTA may be considered anoptional feature in release 11, and an eNB may not know if a UE supportsMTA capabilities until it receives a UE capability message from the UEindicating that the UE supports MTA feature. Before eNB configures pTAGand sTAG(s), eNB may receive and process UE capability regarding UEmultiple time alignment capabilities. Supporting MTA capability mayrequire that UE includes new hardware and/or software features thatprovide such a capability. Multiple time alignment capability may be anoptional capability for Rel-11 UE and its support may depend on UE'shardware, DSP and software designs. A UE may send at least one timealignment capability parameter to the eNB. eNB may configure UE'ssTAG(s) and pTAG within the UE capability. For example, a UE mayindicate how many sTAGs it may support. eNB may configure UE sTAG(s)based, at least in part, on the number of supported sTAGs in a UE. Inanother example, UE may explicitly or implicitly indicate if it supportsinter-band or intra-band multiple TA, or both. In an example embodiment,support for MTA may be provided per band combination for one or moreband combinations supported by a wireless device.

According to some of the various aspects of embodiments, multiple-TAGcapability may be explicitly or implicitly communicated to eNB. In anexample embodiment, inter-band and/or intra-band carrier aggregation maybe configured with multiple TAGs. UE may send multiple TAG capabilitybased on each supported band combinations. UEs that could be configuredwith inter-band carrier aggregation may need MTA (multiple timealignment or multiple-TAG) configuration. Carriers in a band mayexperience a different delay compared with a different band and a bandmay need its own TAG configuration. A TAG configuration for carriers fora band may be required. In a multiple band UE, multiple TAGs may beconfigured, for example one TAG per band. UE may comprise a plurality ofRF chains to support inter-band carrier aggregation. A UE may supportmultiple TAGs if the UE support inter-band carrier aggregation.

UE transceiver architectures may support non-contiguous and/orcontiguous carrier aggregation in intra-band. UE may support multipleTAGs in partial or all supportable intra-band carrier aggregation.Support for multiple TAG may depend on UE architecture, and some UEs maynot support intra-band multiple TAG configurations in one or more bandsdepending on UEs transceiver structure. In an example embodiment, a UEmay communicate its multiple TAG capability to the eNB for intra-bandcommunication. A UE may transmit the MTA capability information forcontiguous intra-band CA and/or non-contiguous intra-band carrieraggregation. In another example embodiment, a UE may also communicate UEinter-band and/or intra-band TAG capability to the eNB.

According to some of the various aspects of embodiments, UE may indicateits MTA capability in information elements (IEs) for each bandcombination including inter-band and intra-band combinations. In anexample embodiment, MTA capability for intra-band and/or inter-band maybe communicated employing at least one radio parameter. MTA capabilityIE may be ordered (indexed) according to a band combination indexdetermining the order of a band combination in a sequence of one or moreband combinations. The eNB may employ an internally stored look-up tableto interpret the index of MTA capability and a band combination. UE maytransmit MTA capability including a sequence of MTA capability to theeNB. The eNB may use a set of configuration options (for example in alook-up table, information list for band combinations, and/or the likeformat) to identify the band combination corresponding to an MTAcapability (supported/not-supported) in a first sequence of one or moreMTA capabilities. The eNB may receive the indexed list of MTAcapability(ies) and determine the MTA capabilities of the wirelessdevice.

In an example embodiment, an information element in the form of a firstsequence of one or more radio configuration parameters may beintroduced. Each of the radio configuration parameters may comprise aMultiple Timing Advance IE. The Multiple Timing Advance IE, for example,could be a binary variable indicating that Multiple Timing Advancecapability is supported or not supported.

The first sequence comprising The Multiple Timing Advance IE mayIndicate whether the wireless device supports multiple timing advancesfor each band combination listed in a second sequence of supported BandCombinations. If the band combination comprised of more than one bandentry (i.e., inter-band or intra-band non-contiguous band combination),the Multiple Timing Advance IE field indicates whether different timingadvances on different band entries are supported or not supported. Ifthe band combination comprised of one band entry (i.e., intra-bandcontiguous band combination), the Multiple Timing Advance IE fieldindicates whether different timing advances across component carriers ofthe band entry are supported. The first sequence including MTAcapability IEs may include the same number of entries listed and in thesame order as in the second sequence of Band Combination Parameters.

In an example embodiment, both inter-band and intra-band CA (carrieraggregation) may support multiple time alignment configurations. Forexample, carriers in the same TAG may be in the same or different bands.In another example, carriers in the same band may belong to same ordifferent TAGs. In another example, a UE may report its multiple timealignment capability based on supported band combinations.

Support for multiple TAG configurations may imply that at least one ofthe following features is supported by the UE: a) Parallel transmissionof a preamble on an uplink carrier (PRACH) and PUSCH on at least oneother carrier; b) Parallel transmission of a preamble on an uplinkcarrier (SCell PRACH) and PUCCH (e.g. on at least one other carrier, forexample, the pCell); c) Parallel transmission of preamble on an uplinkcarrier, PUCCH (for example on PCell, if preamble is on an SCell), andPUSCH on at least one other carrier. This feature may be supported ifparallel transmission of PUCCH and PUSCH is supported by the UE. d)Processing MAC TA CE commands including TAG ID. The UE may apply the TAvalue to the proper TAG according to TAG ID in the MAC TA CE. e) RunningRA process on an SCell belong to an sTAG. This feature may requiretransmission of RA preamble on an uplink carrier belonging to an SCellof an sTAG. f) Maintaining more than one time alignment timer in the UE.g) Grouping carriers into multiple TAGs, wherein a TAG timing is managedbased, at least in part, on a different timing reference SCell and TAsassociated with a TAG. A UE may need to synchronize and tracksynchronization signals of multiple downlink carriers, one referencecell synchronization signal for a TAG. A TAG may have its own timingreference SCell, which is different than the timing reference cell ofanother TAG.

In an example embodiment, some limitations may apply. For example, thepreamble transmission in the above items may refer to preambletransmission on an SCell uplink carrier and may not include preamble ona PCell.

In an example embodiment, parallel transmission of preamble with othersignals such as uplink data (on PUSCH), uplink control (on PUCCH) and/orsounding reference signal (SRS) may be supported if uplink data, uplinkcontrol, and/or SRS control (the signals that are scheduled for uplinktransmission with the uplink preamble) are transmitted on a differentTAG compared with the TAG that is used for preamble transmission.

In an example embodiment, a UE supporting multiple time alignmentfeature may support one or more of the above features. For example, thesupported feature may be based, at least in part, on the parameters ofthe UE capability message and other predetermined parameters (explicitlyor implicitly determined by signaling messages or technologyspecifications) and/or other signaling messages.

In an example embodiment, a UE supporting multiple time alignmentfeature may support all the features itemized in bullets (above). A UEthat does not support multiple time alignment feature may support noneof the above features.

In another example embodiment, a UE supporting multiple time alignmentfeature may support all the above features. A UE that does not supportmultiple time alignment feature may not support all-of-the-abovefeatures.

FIG. 11 is an example flow diagram illustrating a mechanism to exchangeradio capability parameters as per an aspect of an embodiment of thepresent invention. According to some of the various embodiments, a firstsignaling bearer may be established between a wireless device and a basestation on a primary cell at block 1100. The establishing may comprisethe wireless device receiving a first control message from the basestation on the primary cell in a plurality of cells. The plurality ofcells may comprise the primary cell and at least one secondary cell. Thefirst control message may be, for example, a radio resource controlconnection establishment message, a radio resource control connectionset up message, radio resource control connection reconfigurationmessage and/or the like.

According to some of the various embodiments, the wireless device mayinitiate the establishing by transmitting a random access preamble tothe base station. The base station may respond by transmitting a randomaccess response comprising the preamble ID and an uplink grant. Theestablishing may further comprise the wireless device transmitting aradio resource connection request message to the base station. Thewireless device may transmit the radio resource connection request inuplink radio resources identified in an uplink grant of a random accessresponse message received from the base station. The base station andwireless device may further communicate messages, for example, forauthentication, security, configuration changes, and/or the like.

According to some of the various embodiments, at block 1102, thewireless device may transmit a plurality of radio capability parametersto the base station. In an example embodiment, the plurality of radiocapability parameters may be transmitted on the first signaling beareron the primary cell. The plurality of radio capability parameters maycomprise at least one parameter indicating whether the wireless devicesupports a plurality of timing advance groups. The wireless device maysupport the plurality of timing advance groups for at least one bandcombination. The parameter(s) may further indicate whether the wirelessdevice supports a plurality of timing advance groups for each of one ormore band combinations supported by the wireless device.

According to some of the various embodiments, if the at least oneparameter indicates the wireless device supports the plurality of timingadvance groups, the wireless device may support (capable of performingthe task when needed) transmission of a random access preamble on atleast one of the secondary cell(s) in a secondary cell group. If the atleast one parameter indicates the wireless device supports the pluralityof timing advance groups, the wireless device may support paralleltransmission of: a random access preamble on an uplink carrier on one ofthe secondary cell(s) in the secondary cell group; and uplink data on atleast one other uplink carrier of other cell(s) in the plurality ofcells. If the at least one parameter indicates the wireless devicesupports the plurality of timing advance groups, the wireless device maysupport parallel transmission of: a random access preamble on an uplinkcarrier on one of the secondary cell(s) in the secondary cell group; andcontrol data on an uplink physical control channel on at least one otheruplink carrier of other cell(s) in the plurality of cells. According tosome of the various embodiments, the other cell(s) in the plurality ofcells may not comprise the one of the secondary cell(s) in the secondarycell group.

If the at least one parameter indicates the wireless device supports theplurality of timing advance groups, the wireless device may apply eachof a plurality of MAC timing advance commands comprising a timingadvance group index to uplink transmission timing of a cell groupidentified by the timing advance group index. If the at least oneparameter indicates the wireless device supports the plurality of timingadvance groups, the wireless device may be capable of maintaining aplurality of timing advance timers. If the at least one parameterindicates the wireless device supports a plurality of timing advancegroups, the wireless device may support configuration of the pluralityof timing advance groups. Each of the plurality of timing advance groupsmay comprise a distinct subset of the plurality of cells. Each cell isassociated to only one timing advance group. Uplink transmissions oneach timing advance group may employ a synchronization signal on adownlink carrier of one active cell in the distinct subset as a timingreference. Each of a plurality of MAC timing advance commands maycomprise a timing advance value and a TAG index (TAG-ID).

According to some of the various embodiments, the wireless device mayfurther support parallel transmission of: a random access preamble on anuplink carrier on one of the secondary cell(s) in the secondary cellgroup; and an uplink sounding reference signal on other uplinkcarrier(s) of other cell(s) in the plurality of cells.

According to some of the various embodiments, the wireless device maycomprise communication interface(s), processor(s), and memory. Thememory may store instructions. The processor(s) may execute theinstructions to cause actions described herein.

According to some of the various embodiments, at block 1100, a wirelessdevice may establish a first signaling bearer between a wireless deviceand a base station on a primary cell in a plurality of cells. Theplurality of cells may comprise the primary cell and secondary cell(s).

According to some of the various embodiments, at block 1102, a pluralityof radio capability parameters may be transmitted to the base station onthe first signaling bearer on the primary cell. The plurality of radiocapability parameters may comprise parameter(s) indicating whether thewireless device supports a plurality of timing advance groups.

According to some of the various embodiments, if parameter(s) indicatethe wireless device supports the plurality of timing advance groups, thewireless device may supports all of a multitude of features. One of thefeatures may comprise transmitting a random access preamble on at leastone of the at least one secondary cell(s) in a secondary cell group.Another of the features may comprise parallel transmission of: a randomaccess preamble on an uplink carrier on one of secondary cell(s) in thesecondary cell group; and uplink data on at least one other uplinkcarrier of at least one other cell in the plurality of cells. Another ofthe features may comprise parallel transmission of a random accesspreamble on an uplink carrier on one of the at least one secondary cellin the secondary cell group; and control data on an uplink physicalcontrol channel on at least one other uplink carrier of other cell(s) inthe plurality of cells. Another of the features may comprise applyingeach of a plurality of MAC timing advance commands comprising a timingadvance group index to uplink transmission timing of a cell groupidentified by the timing advance group index. Another of the featuresmay comprise maintaining a plurality of timing advance timers. Anotherof the features may comprise configuring the plurality of timing advancegroups. Each of the plurality of timing advance groups may comprise adistinct subset of the plurality of cells. Uplink transmissions on eachtiming advance group may employ a synchronization signal on a downlinkcarrier of one active cell in the distinct subset as a timing reference.The plurality of timing advance timers may correspond to a timingadvance group in the plurality of timing advance groups. The configuringof the plurality of timing advance groups may comprise assigning eachcell in the plurality of cells to a timing advance group in theplurality of timing advance groups.

According to some of the various embodiments, the random access preamblemay be transmitted in response to receiving a control command from thebase station. The control command may comprise an identifier of therandom access preamble.

According to some of the various embodiments, each of a plurality of MACtiming advance commands may comprise a timing advance value.

FIG. 11 is an example flow diagram illustrating a mechanism to exchangeradio capability parameters as per an aspect of an embodiment of thepresent invention.

According to some of the various embodiments, at 1104, a first signalingbearer may be established between a base station and a wireless deviceon a primary cell. The establishing may comprise the base stationtransmitting a first control message to the wireless device on theprimary cell in a plurality of cells. The plurality of cells maycomprise the primary cell and at least one secondary cell.

According to some of the various embodiments, at 1106, the base stationmay receive a plurality of radio capability parameters from the wirelessdevice. I an example embodiment the plurality of radio capabilityparameters are received on the first signaling bearer on the primarycell. In another example embodiment, the plurality of radio capabilityparameters may be received on other signaling or data bearers on theprimary or a secondary cell. Many different factors may initiate thetransmission of radio capability parameters, for example, establishingthe connection, another example is when the capabilities have beenchange. Other examples may be provide. The plurality of radio capabilityparameters may comprise at least one parameter indicating whether thewireless device supports a plurality of timing advance groups.

According to some of the various embodiments, second control message(s)may be selectively transmitted to the wireless device by the basestation if the second parameter(s) indicate that the wireless devicesupports the plurality of timing advance groups. The second controlmessage(s) may be configured to cause in the wireless deviceconfiguration of secondary cell(s) in the plurality of cells. Thecontrol message(s) may be configured to cause in the wireless deviceassignment of each of the secondary cell(s) to a timing advance group inthe plurality of timing advance groups. The plurality of timing advancegroups may comprise a primary timing advance group and a secondarytiming advance group. The primary timing advance group may comprise afirst subset of the plurality of cells. The first subset may comprisethe primary cell. Uplink transmissions by the wireless device in theprimary timing advance group may employ a first synchronization signaltransmitted on the primary cell. The secondary timing advance group maycomprise a second subset of the secondary cell(s). The second subset maycomprise a reference secondary cell. Uplink transmissions in thesecondary timing advance group may employ a second synchronizationsignal on the reference secondary cell as a secondary timing reference.

According to some of the various embodiments, the parameter(s) mayfurther indicate whether the wireless device supports a plurality oftiming advance groups for each of one or more band combinationssupported by the wireless device.

According to some of the various embodiments, the second controlmessage(s) may be configured to further cause in the wireless device,configuration of a timing advance timer for each of the plurality oftiming advance groups. The timing advance timer may start or restart inresponse to the wireless device receiving a timing advance command toadjust uplink transmission timing of a commanded timing advance group inthe plurality of timing advance groups. The first control message may bea radio resource control connection establishment message. The secondcontrol message(s) may be configured to further cause in the wirelessdevice configuration of random access resources on a secondary cell inthe secondary timing advance group.

FIG. 11 is an example flow diagram illustrating a mechanism to exchangeradio capability parameters as per an aspect of an embodiment of thepresent invention. According to some of the various embodiments, at1104, a first signaling bearer may be established between a base stationand a wireless device on a primary cell in a plurality of cells. Theplurality of cells may comprise the primary cell and at least onesecondary cell. The wireless device may initiate the establishing bytransmitting a random access preamble to the base station. Theestablishing may further comprise the wireless device transmitting aradio resource connection request message to the base station. Thewireless device may transmit the radio resource connection request inuplink radio resources identified in an uplink grant of a random accessresponse message received from the base station.

According to some of the various embodiments, at 1106, the base stationmay receive a plurality of radio capability parameters from the wirelessdevice. Other examples may be possible, and various parameters maytrigger transmission of radio capability parameters by a wireless deviceto the base station employing a signaling or data bearer. In an exampleembodiment, the capability may be received on the first signaling beareron the primary cell. The plurality of radio capability parameters maycomprise a first sequence of one or more radio configuration parameters.A first radio configuration parameter in the first sequence may comprisea first parameter indicating whether multiple timing advance groups maybe supported for a first band combination. The first band combinationmay be in a second sequence of one or more band combinations. The indexof the first radio configuration parameter in the first sequence maydetermine the index of the first band combination in the secondsequence.

According to some of the various embodiments, the size of the firstsequence may be the same as the size of the second sequence. The indexmay determine the order of: the first radio configuration parameter inthe first sequence; and the first band combination in the secondsequence. The first band combination may be identified by a first bandcombination parameter. The first band combination parameter may comprisea list of band identifier(s). Each of the band identifier(s) may be oneof a finite set of numbers. Each of the numbers may identify a specificband.

According to some of the various embodiments, the wireless device maysupport multiple inter-band timing advance groups if the list of bandidentifier(s) includes more than one band; and the first parameterindicates that multiple timing advance groups are supported. In yetother embodiments, the wireless device may support multiple intra-bandtiming advance groups if the list of band identifier(s) includes oneband; and the first parameter indicates that multiple timing advancegroups are supported.

According to some of the various embodiments, the wireless device maynot support multiple timing advance configurations if none of the radioconfiguration parameters comprise a parameter indicating that multipletiming advance groups are supported.

According to some of the various embodiments, a first signaling bearermay be established between a base station and a wireless device on aprimary cell at block 1104. The establishing may comprise the basestation transmitting a control message to the wireless device on theprimary cell in a plurality of cells. The plurality of cells maycomprise the primary cell and secondary cell(s).

According to some of the various embodiments, at block 1106, the basestation may receive a plurality of radio capability parameters from thewireless device. In an example, the plurality of radio capabilityparameters on the first signaling bearer on the primary cell. Theplurality of radio capability parameters may comprise a first sequenceof one or more radio configuration parameters. A first radioconfiguration parameter in the first sequence may comprise a firstparameter indicating whether multiple timing advance groups aresupported for a first band combination. The first band combination maybe in a second sequence of one or more band combinations. The index ofthe first radio configuration parameter in the first sequence maydetermine the index of the first band combination in the secondsequence. The size of the first sequence may be the same as the size ofthe second sequence.

According to some of the various embodiments, control message(s) may beselectively transmitted to the wireless device by the base station ifthe first sequence of one or more radio configuration parametersindicates that the wireless device supports the plurality of timingadvance groups. The control message(s) may be configured to cause in thewireless device configuration of secondary cell(s) in the plurality ofcells. The control message(s) may assign each of the secondary cell(s)to a time advance group in the plurality of timing advance groups. Theplurality of timing advance groups may comprise a primary timing advancegroup and a secondary timing advance group. The primary timing advancegroup may comprise a first subset of the plurality of cells. The firstsubset may comprise the primary cell. Uplink transmissions by thewireless device in the primary timing advance group may employ a firstsynchronization signal transmitted on the primary cell. The secondarytiming advance group may comprise a second subset of the at least onesecondary cell. The second subset may comprise a reference secondarycell. Uplink transmissions in the secondary timing advance group mayemploy a second synchronization signal on the reference secondary cellas a secondary timing reference.

According to some of the various embodiments, the control message(s) maybe configured to further cause in the wireless device configuration of atiming advance timer for each of the plurality of timing advance groups.The timing advance timer may start or restart in response to thewireless device receiving a timing advance command to adjust uplinktransmission timing of a commanded timing advance group in the pluralityof timing advance groups. A first control message may be a radioresource configuration connection set up message. Second controlmessage(s) may be configured to further cause in the wireless deviceconfiguration of random access resources on a secondary cell in thesecondary timing advance group.

According to some of the various embodiments, the wireless device maycomprise communication interface(s), processor(s), and memory. Thememory may store instructions. The processor(s) may execute theinstructions to cause actions described herein.

According to some of the various embodiments, at block 1100, a firstsignaling bearer may be established between a wireless device and a basestation on a primary cell in a plurality of cells. The plurality ofcells may comprise the primary cell and secondary cell(s).

According to some of the various embodiments, at block 1102, thewireless device may transmit a plurality of radio capability parametersto the base station on the first signaling bearer on the primary cell.The plurality of radio capability parameters may comprise a firstsequence of one or more radio configuration parameters. A first radioconfiguration parameter in the first sequence may comprise a firstparameter indicating whether multiple timing advance groups aresupported for a first band combination. The first band combination maybe in a second sequence of one or more band combinations. The index ofthe first radio configuration parameter in the first sequence maydetermine the index of the first band combination in the secondsequence. The size of the first sequence may be the same as the size ofthe second sequence. The index may determine the order of: the firstradio configuration parameter in the first sequence; and the first bandcombination in the second sequence.

According to some of the various embodiments, the first band combinationmay be identified by a first band combination parameter. The first bandcombination parameter may comprise a list of band identifier(s). Thewireless device may support multiple inter-band timing advance groupsif: the list of band identifier(s) includes more than one band; and thefirst parameter indicates that multiple timing advance groups aresupported. The wireless device may support multiple intra-band timingadvance groups if: the list of band identifier(s) includes one band; andthe first parameter indicates that multiple timing advance groups is oris not supported.

An example is provided to further explain an embodiment. A wirelessdevice may transmit an RRC message comprising UE capability information.The UE capability information may comprise an information elementcomprising a wireless device LTE radio capability parameters. The LTEradio capability parameters may comprise a plurality of parametersindicating various capability of the wireless device LTE radio. Theplurality of radio capability parameters may comprise a second sequenceof one or more band combinations. Each band combination IE parameter inthe second sequence of one or more band combinations may comprise a listof one or more band identifier(s). An example band combination IE may be{(band-id1, band-parameters1), (band-id2, band-parameters2), (band-id3,band-parameters3). The example band combination IE comprises a sequenceof band identifier(s): band-id1, band-id2, band-id3, and a sequence ofband parameters. Band parameters may be uplink parameter(s) and/ordownlink parameter(s). Each of the band identifier(s) may be one of afinite set of numbers, for example from a set of (1.64). Each of thenumbers in the set may identify a specific band, for example number 14may refer to 1950 MHz band-A, 23 may refer to 2100 MHz band-D, 24 mayrefer to 2100 MHz band-E. If band-id1=14, the band-id2=23, andband-id3=24, the wireless device supports band combination of thesethree bands. A second band combination in the second sequence mayinclude band-id1=14 and band-id4=43. In the example, the second sequenceof one or more band combinations are considered an array of one or moreband combination IEs. In the example embodiment, two band combinationsare in the second sequence of one or more band combinations.

In the example embodiment, a first sequence of one or more radioconfiguration parameters for example could be {(TAG-not-supported, otherparameters1),(TAG-supported, other parameters2)}. The first radioconfiguration parameter is TAG-non-supported (with index 1), and thesecond radio configuration parameter is TAG-supported (with index 2).Index 1 in the first sequence comprise (TAG-non-supported) andcorresponds to first index in the second sequence (the first bandcombination: band-id1=14, the band-id2=23, and band-id3=24). Index 2 inthe first sequence comprise (TAG-supported) corresponds to index 2 inthe second sequence (the second band combination band-id1 and band-id4).In the example, TAG configuration is not supported for bandcombination=(band-id1=14, the band-id4=43, and band-id3=24). TAGconfiguration is supported for band combination=(band-id1=14, theband-id2=43).

The example embodiments provides a solution for network, base station,UE signaling to reduce signaling overhead required for configuringwireless devices in a network. The example embodiments for communicationof radio capability parameters provide flexibility in providing TAGcapability for one or more band combinations. It reduces the requiredoverhead for communicating this information by indexing TAG capabilityaccording to band combination IE. This increases radio efficiency.Furthermore, by including this information in UE signaling parameters,eNB is able to selectively configure multiple UEs for capable UEswithout introducing new signaling messages. This improvement would haveminimal impact in the UE and eNB messaging system. eNB does is notrequired to receive this information from UE subscription information inthe core, and this simplifies core network signaling and requirements.

According to some of the various embodiments, SCell(s) belonging to ansTAG may need to perform random access process in order to achieve ULsynchronization. For example, this may happen when an SCell belonging toan un unsynchronized sTAG is activated. The UE may be uplinkout-of-synch for that SCell, but is uplink synchronized for the pTAG andother sTAG(s). eNB may trigger RACH on an SCell to let a UE to acquireuplink synchronization. Random access process may also be initiated on asynchronized sTAG, for example, for acquiring uplink timing of an SCell,and/or the like. Random access on an SCell may be initiated while the UEis schedule to transmit other uplink data or control packets. In anexample embodiment, a random access on a pCell may be initiated by a UEand/or eNB. A random access on a pCell for example may be initiated byan eNB to acquire uplink timing for a pCell. Random access on a pCellmay be initiated while the UE is scheduled to transmit other uplink dataand/or control packets.

When random access preamble is transmitted, for example, on an SCell ofan sTAG, there is the possibility of transmission of: a) PUSCH, SRS,and/or PUCCH on PCell, and/or b) PUSCH and/or SRS on other serving cellsbelonging to pTAG and/or other sTAGs. When random access preamble istransmitted, for example, on a pCell of the pTAG, there is thepossibility of transmission of PUSCH and/or SRS on other serving cellsbelonging sTAGs.

According to some of the various embodiments, other uplink transmissionsmay be possible while RACH (random access channel) transmission iscarried out. Possible simultaneous transmission of PRACH (physicalrandom access channel) preamble and other UL channel signals on otherserving cells may be considered. UE may support parallel PRACH andPUSCH/PUCCH/SRS transmissions. This issue may not apply to LTE release10, since no uplink transmission may be allowed when random accesspreamble is transmitted on a PCell uplink random access resource.

Parallel transmission of other UL packets during the time the randomaccess preamble is sent may require special solution. There could bemore than one TA group and hence one TA group may already be in syncwhile another TA (time alignment) group may not be in-sync. This meansthat UL transmission may be on-going on other cells while the UEreceives a PDCCH order to transmit a preamble on a cell. Paralleltransmission of a preamble, and other UL transmissions on cells in otherTAGs may happen. Parallel and/or simultaneous transmission in thisspecification may imply that transmissions are substantially paralleland/or substantially simultaneous, and/or transmissions may overlapduring a time period. The overlap time period may be greater than athreshold, for example: zero, half a symbol, a symbol, 30 us, and/or thelike. Parallel and/or simultaneous transmissions may imply thattransmissions are in the same subframe, include the same subframe and/ormay overlap during a time period. Minor inaccuracies/errors intransmission time within a limited range may be accepted.

According to some of the various embodiments, parallel transmission of apreamble and of other UL data, control packets and/or SRS transmissionon cells in other TA groups could have many advantages. The network maynot need to coordinate the time when an RA is ordered on a cell of a TAGand with other UL transmissions in other TAGs. This may slightlyincrease UE complexity and it may make the power handling of the UE abit more complex, but radio resources may be used more efficiently ifparallel transmission is allowed. Supporting parallel transmission of apreamble and transmission of other UL data or control messages mayreduce the complexity in an eNB and increase uplink radio efficiency.Allowing parallel PRACH and PUSCH/PUCCH/SRS transmissions may reducescheduling restrictions in an eNB. In the example embodiment, alimitation applies that when a random access preamble is transmitted ina random access channel of a cell of a given TAG, no other paralleltransmission is allowed in the cells belonging to the same TAG. Forexample, when a preamble is transmitted on an SCell of an sTAG no otherPUSCH packet and/or SRS signal may be transmitted in parallel with thepreamble in the sTAG.

According to some of the various embodiments, a UE configured with Nactive carriers and supporting multiple-TAG configuration may transmitsome of following signals in parallel: k×PRACH; m×PUCCH; p×PUSCH; q×SRSsignals. The values of k, m, p, q depends on UE capability andconfiguration. In an example, K may be equal to zero or one; m may beequal to zero or one; p may be equal or less than N; and q may be equalor less than N. Transmission rules may be define to constraints someparallel transmissions of the above signals.

In an example embodiment, if a UE is configured to transmit in parallelPUCCH packet and PUSCH packet(s) (some UEs may not be capable of PUSCHand PUCCH transmission) then the following conditions may apply. K maybe equal to 1 or zero. Meaning that one random access preamble may betransmitted at a given time. If the random access is transmitted thenk=1, and if the random access is not transmitted then k=0. Random accesspreamble may have a higher power priority compared with other uplinksignals transmitted by a UE. If a random access preamble is transmittedin a given TAG with c cells, then upto p=N-c PUSCH can be transmitted inparallel in the uplink on carriers that are active, uplink synchronized,and do not belong to the given TAG. If the preamble is transmitted onthe pCell, PUCCH packet may not be transmitted in parallel in pCell. Ifthe preamble is transmitted on an sCell, PUCCH packet may be transmittedin parallel in pCell. SRS transmission may have a lowest prioritycompared with uplink signals: PRACH, PUCCH, PUSCH. If any of the PUCCH,PUSCH, and PRACH transmissions in a given TAG coincides with an SRSsymbol transmission in a symbol of the given TAG, then SRS may bedropped. Therefore, no parallel transmission of SRS is allowed in asymbol of a given TAG, if any other signal is carried in the given TAG.Avoiding parallel transmission of a preamble with any other signal inthe same TAG, and avoiding parallel transmission of an SRS signal withany other signal in the same TAG may simplify UE transmission operation.A preamble may have a higher transmission priority compared with otheruplink signals (PUCCH/SRS/PUSCH), and therefore may not be droppedbecause of other parallel transmissions. SRS may have a lowertransmission priority compared with other uplink signals(PUCCH/Preamble/PUSCH), and therefore may be dropped because of otherparallel transmissions.

In an example embodiment, if a UE is not configured to transmit inparallel PUCCH packet and PUSCH packet(s) then the above conditions mayapply except that no parallel PUCCH and PUSCH transmission is allowed inthe UE.

In an example embodiment, when there is no SRS transmission, PRACHtransmitted in a TAG with c cells, can be transmitted in parallel withone PUCCH and up to (N-c) PUSCH packets. If PRACH preamble istransmitted in pTAG, no parallel transmission of PUCCH packet and thepreamble is allowed. In general no uplink signals may be transmittedwith preamble in the TAG that is used for preamble transmission. If a UEis not configured with parallel PUCCH and PUSCH channel transmission,then this limitation may be applied.

According to some of the various embodiments, if SRS transmission isconfigured, then SRS transmission is dropped in a given TAG, if SRStransmission symbol coincides with an uplink transmission symbol (any ofthe preamble, PUCCH packet, and PUSCH) in the given TAG. Multiple SRSsignals may be transmitted in different cells of a given TAG in parallelwith each other (assuming no PUCCH, PUSCH, and preamble is transmittedin parallel in the given TAG).

In an example, a shortened format of PUCCH may not coincide with SRStransmission, since a shortened PUCCH packet is not transmitted in thelast symbol of a subframe. For example, if UE transmits in parallel anSRS signal, a preamble, and a PUSCH packet, then each of the SRS signal,the preamble, and the PUSCH packet is transmitted on a different cellgroup. In another example, if a UE transmits in parallel an SRS signal,a preamble, and a PUCCH packet, then PUCCH packet is transmitted onpTAG, preamble is transmitted on a first sTAG, and SRS signal istransmitted on a TAG different from pTAG and the first sTAG. In anotherexample, if UE transmits in parallel an SRS signal and a PUSCH packet,then each of the SRS signal and the PUSCH packet is transmitted on adifferent cell group. Other examples could be provided based on therules disclosed in this disclosure.

In another example embodiment, when UE supports simultaneous PUSCH andPUCCH, power scaling may be applied when the UE is in power limitedscenario, for example when UE is in poor coverage areas. With theintroduction of multiple TA, RACH preamble may be transmitted on anSCell. Hence there will be TTI where RACH preamble transmission orretransmissions may coincide with either PUCCH or PUSCH on PCell/SCellor both. The following simultaneous PRACH on SCell with other ULtransmissions may occur in a UE:

UE behaviour may be defined when total power is not sufficient. Theremay be multiple solutions to address this issue. The priorities forpower scaling between different channels may be determined. According tothe priorities the powers may be scaled to ensure transmit power is lessthan or equal to {circumflex over (P)}_(CMAX)(i). In case that totaltransmit power of the UE might exceed the maximum power {circumflex over(P)}_(CMAX)(i), the PRACH may be assigned the highest priority. Thepriority of transmission power for UL channels may be:

PRACH>PUCCH>PUSCH with UCI>PUSCH. (UCI: uplink control information).

According to some of the various aspects of embodiments, the order ofpriorities may be PRACH, PUCCH, PUSCH with UCI, and then PUSCH (PRACHhas the highest priority).

For the case when there is no simultaneous PUSCH with UCI transmission,if the total transmit power of the UE would exceed {circumflex over(P)}_(CMAX)(i), then:{circumflex over (P)} _(PUCCH)(i)=min({circumflex over (P)}_(PUCCH)(i),({circumflex over (P)} _(CMAX)(i)−{circumflex over (P)}_(PRACH)(i)))

The UE may scale {circumflex over (P)}_(PUSCH,c)(i) for the serving cellc in subframe i such that the condition

${\sum\limits_{c}{{w(i)} \cdot {{\hat{P}}_{{PUSCH},c}(i)}}} \leq \left( {{{\hat{P}}_{CMAX}(i)} - {{\hat{P}}_{PUCCH}(i)} - {{\hat{P}}_{PRACH}(i)}} \right)$

is satisfied. In an example implementation, {circumflex over(P)}_(PUCCH)(i) may be the linear value of P_(PUCCH)(i), {circumflexover (P)}_(PUSCH,c)(i) may be the linear value of P_(PUSCH,c)(i),{circumflex over (P)}_(CMAX)(i) may be the linear value of the UE totalconfigured maximum output power P_(CMAX) in subframe i and w(i) may be ascaling factor of {circumflex over (P)}_(PUSCH,c)(i) for serving cell cwhere 0≦w(i)≦1. Other functions in addition to linear value may besupported. For example, average power, and/or the like. In case there isno PUCCH transmission in subframe i {circumflex over (P)}_(PUCCH)(i)=0.{circumflex over (P)}_(PRACH)(i) may be the linear value of P_(PRACH)(i)or could be another function of the preamble transmission power on anuplink SCell. If there is no uplink preamble transmission, then{circumflex over (P)}_(PRACH)(i)=0. In an example, w(i) values may bethe same across serving cells when w(i)>0 but for certain serving cellsw(i) may be zero. P_(PUSCH,c)(i) includes carriers that could transmituplink PUSCH. For example, if PUSCH transmission on a carrier is notallowed, then PUSCH transmission power for that carrier may not beincluded in the formula (power=0), since no signal would be transmittedon that carrier. For example, if carrier c is in an sTAG, which isuplink unsynchronized, then no signal would be transmitted on thatPUSCH.

If the UE has PUSCH transmission with UCI on serving cell j and PUSCHwithout UCI in any of the remaining serving cells, and the totaltransmit power of the UE would exceed {circumflex over (P)}_(CMAX)(i)(and no simultaneous PUCCH message is transmitted), then:{circumflex over (P)} _(PUSCH,j)(i)=min({circumflex over (P)}_(PUSCH,j)(i),({circumflex over (P)} _(CMAX)(i)−{circumflex over (P)}_(PRACH)(i)))

The UE may scale {circumflex over (P)}_(PUSCH,c)(i) for the servingcells without UCI in subframe i such that the condition

${\sum\limits_{c}{{w(i)} \cdot {{\hat{P}}_{{PUSCH},c}(i)}}} \leq \left( {{{\hat{P}}_{CMAX}(i)} - {{\hat{P}}_{{PUSCH},j}(i)} - {{\hat{P}}_{PRACH}(i)}} \right)$

is satisfied where {circumflex over (P)}_(PUSCH,j)(i) may be the PUSCHtransmit power for the cell with UCI and w(i) may be a scaling factor of{circumflex over (P)}_(PUSCH,c)(i) for serving cell c without UCI. Inthis case, no power scaling may be applied to {circumflex over(P)}_(PUSCH,j)(i) unless

${\sum\limits_{c \neq j}{{w(i)} \cdot {{\hat{P}}_{{PUSCH},c}(i)}}} = 0$and the total transmit power of the UE still would exceed {circumflexover (P)}_(CMAX)(i).

If the UE has simultaneous PUCCH and PUSCH transmission with UCI onserving cell j and PUSCH transmission without UCI in any of theremaining serving cells, and the total transmit power of the UE wouldexceed {circumflex over (P)}_(CMAX)(i), the UE obtains {circumflex over(P)}_(PUSCH,c)(i) according to{circumflex over (P)} _(PUCCH)(i)=min({circumflex over (P)}_(PUCCH)(i),({circumflex over (P)} _(CMAX)(i)−{circumflex over (P)}_(PRACH)(i)))and then{circumflex over (P)} _(PUSCH,j)(i)=min({circumflex over (P)}_(PUSCH,j)(i),({circumflex over (P)} _(CMAX)(i)−{circumflex over (P)}_(PUCCH)(i)−{circumflex over (P)} _(PRACH)(i)))

And then

${\sum\limits_{c \neq j}{{w(i)} \cdot {{\hat{P}}_{{PUSCH},c}(i)}}} \leq \left( {{{\hat{P}}_{CMAX}(i)} - {{\hat{P}}_{PUCCH}(i)} - {{\hat{P}}_{{PUSCH},j}(i)} - {{\hat{P}}_{PRACH}(i)}} \right)$

According to some of the various aspects of embodiments, some otherpower constraints may be applied to limit transmission power for acarrier below a maximum carrier transmission power. For example, when asimultaneous PUCCH and PUSCH on the same carrier is transmitted, the UEmay perform a power scaling inside a carrier before applying the abovepower limitations on the overall transmit power.

Whenever UL SRS coincides with PRACH preamble, PUCCH packet, and/orPUSCH packet in the same symbol, SRS may not be transmitted (may bedropped) by the UE, when there is power constraint in the UE. UE may notscale SRS power when SRS signal is transmitted in paralle with PUCCHpacket, PUSCH packet, and/or a preamble. UE may drop all SRSstransmitted in a symbol if the UE is power limited in the uplink fortransmission of parallel SRS with PUCCH packet, PUSCH packet, and/or apreamble.

FIG. 12 is an example flow diagram illustrating a process forcalculating transmission powers as per an aspect of an embodiment of thepresent invention. According to some of the various embodiments, awireless device may receive control message(s) from a base station 1200.The control message(s) may cause in the wireless device configuration ofa plurality of cells comprising a primary cell and secondary cell(s).The control message(s) may cause in the wireless device assignment ofeach of the secondary cell(s) to a cell group in a plurality of cellgroups. The plurality of cell groups may comprise a primary cell groupand a secondary cell group. The primary cell group may comprise a firstsubset of the plurality of cells. The subset may comprise the primarycell. The secondary cell group may comprise a second subset of thesecondary cell(s). The control message(s) may further causes in thewireless device configuration of a plurality of channel parameters forthe following channels: the uplink control channel on the primary cell;the one uplink data channel(s); and an uplink random access channel onthe first cell.

According to some of the various embodiments, at block 1202, thewireless device may receive a control command for transmission of arandom access preamble on a first cell in the plurality of cells. Therandom access preamble may be transmitted in parallel with at least oneof the following parallel uplink transmissions: a first control packeton an uplink control channel of the primary cell; a second packetcomprising uplink control information on an uplink data channel of oneof the plurality of cells; and third packet(s) on one uplink datachannel(s) of the plurality of cells. The first cell may be the primarycell.

According to some of the various embodiments, the wireless device maydetermine a preamble transmission power for the random access preambleat block 1204.

According to some of the various embodiments, if a total calculatedtransmission power exceeds a predefined value, the wireless device mayobtain a transmission power of the parallel uplink transmission(s)according to a series of priorities as follows. The random accesspreamble transmission may have a first priority. The first controlpacket may have a second priority lower than the first priority. Thesecond packet may have a third priority lower than the second priority.The third packet(s) may have a fourth priority lower than the thirdpriority.

According to some of the various embodiments, at block 1206, thepriorities may be employed by the wireless device to reduce or scalelinear transmission power of one or more of the parallel transmission(s)such that an updated value of the total calculated transmission power isequal to or less than the predefined value. The total calculatedtransmission power may be calculated for a subframe.

According to some of the various embodiments, the scaling lineartransmission power may comprise scaling linear transmission power by ascaling factor: greater than or equal to zero; and smaller than or equalto one.

According to some of the various embodiments, calculation of the totalcalculated transmission power may comprise adding all of the followingtransmission powers: a linear transmission power of the random accesspreamble; a linear transmission power of the first control packet if thefirst control packet is transmitted; a linear transmission power of thesecond packet if the second packet is transmitted; and a lineartransmission power of the third packet(s) if the third packet(s) aretransmitted. According to some of the various embodiments, if theparallel uplink transmission(s) consists of the first control packet, acalculated linear transmission power of the first control packet may beequal to a minimum of: the linear transmission power of the firstcontrol packet; and the predefined value minus the linear transmissionpower of the random access preamble. Note: the parallel uplinktransmission(s) are the signals transmitted in parallel “with” therandom access preamble (preamble is inherently not in the paralleluplink transmission(s) but is transmitted in parallel with the paralleluplink transmission(s)). According to some of the various embodiments,if the parallel uplink transmission(s) consists of the second packet, acalculated linear transmission power of the second packet may be equalto a minimum of: the linear transmission power of the second packet; andthe predefined value minus the linear transmission power of the randomaccess preamble.

According to some of the various embodiments, if the parallel uplinktransmission(s) consist of the first control packet and the secondpacket: a calculated linear transmission power of the first controlpacket may be equal to a minimum of: the linear transmission power ofthe first control packet; and the predefined value minus the lineartransmission power of the random access preamble. According to some ofthe various embodiments, if the parallel uplink transmission(s) consistof the first control packet and the second packet: a calculated lineartransmission power of the second control packet may be equal to aminimum of: the linear transmission power of the second control packet;and the predefined value minus a sum of the linear transmission power ofthe random access preamble and the calculated linear transmission powerof the first control packet. According to some of the variousembodiments, if the parallel uplink transmission(s) consist of the firstcontrol packet and the third packet(s), then: a calculated lineartransmission power of the first control packet may be equal to a minimumof: the linear transmission power of the first control packet; and thepredefined value minus the linear transmission power of the randomaccess preamble. According to some of the various embodiments, if theparallel uplink transmission(s) consists of the first control packet andthe third packet(s), a calculated linear transmission power for each ofthe third packet(s) may be calculated by scaling the linear transmissionpower of each of the third packet(s) by a scaling factor such that thetotal calculated transmission power is equal to or less than thepredefined value, the scaling factor being equal to or less than one.

According to some of the various embodiments, a wireless device mayreceive control message(s) from a base station at 1200. The controlmessage(s) may cause in the wireless device the configuration of aplurality of cells. The plurality of cells may comprise a primary celland secondary cell(s). The control message(s) may cause in the wirelessdevice the assignment of each of the secondary cell(s) to a cell groupin a plurality of cell groups. The plurality of cell groups may comprisea primary cell group and a secondary cell group. The primary cell groupmay comprise a first subset of the plurality of cells. The subset maycomprise the primary cell. The secondary cell group may comprise asecond subset of the secondary cell(s).

According to some of the various embodiments, at block 1202, thewireless device may receive a control command for transmission of arandom access preamble on a first cell in the plurality of cells. Therandom access preamble may be transmitted in parallel with at least oneof the following parallel uplink transmissions: a first control packet;a second packet; and third packet(s). The first control packet may be onan uplink control channel of the primary cell. The second packet maycomprise uplink control information on an uplink data channel of one ofthe plurality of cells. The third packet(s) may be on uplink datachannel(s) of the plurality of cells.

According to some of the various embodiments, at block 1204, thewireless device may determine a transmission power for the random accesspreamble.

According to some of the various embodiments, at block 1206, if a totalcalculated transmission power exceeds a predefined value, the wirelessdevice may reduce or scale the linear transmission power of one or moreof the parallel uplink transmission(s) according to a predefined rule.The predefined rule may consider a higher priority for the transmissionpower of the random access preamble compared with a transmissionpriority of: the first control packet; the second packet; and the thirdpacket(s). The reduction or scaling of the linear transmission power maybe performed over a period of one subframe.

According to some of the various embodiments, the calculation of thetotal calculated transmission power may comprises adding all of thefollowing transmission powers: a linear transmission power of the randomaccess preamble; a linear transmission power of the first control packetif the first control packet is transmitted; a linear transmission powerof the second packet if the second packet is transmitted; and a lineartransmission power of the third packet(s) if the third packet(s) aretransmitted. According to some of the various embodiments, if theparallel uplink transmission(s) consist of the first control packet, acalculated linear transmission power of the first control packet may beequal to a minimum of: the linear transmission power of the firstcontrol packet; and the predefined value minus the linear transmissionpower of the random access preamble. According to some of the variousembodiments, if the parallel uplink transmission(s) consist of thesecond packet, a calculated linear transmission power of the secondpacket may be equal to a minimum of: the linear transmission power ofthe second packet; and the predefined value minus the lineartransmission power of the random access preamble.

According to some of the various embodiments, the wireless device maycomprise communication interface(s), processor(s), and memory. Thememory may store instructions. The processor(s) may execute theinstructions to cause actions described herein.

According to some of the various embodiments, a wireless device mayreceive control message(s) from a base station 1200. The controlmessage(s) may cause in the wireless device configuration of a pluralityof cells comprising a primary cell and secondary cell(s). The controlmessage(s) may cause in the wireless device assignment of each of thesecondary cell(s) to a cell group in a plurality of cell groups. Theplurality of cell groups may comprise a primary cell group and asecondary cell group. The primary cell group may comprise a first subsetof the plurality of cells. The subset may comprise the primary cell. Thesecondary cell group may comprise a second subset of the secondarycell(s). The control message(s) may further causes in the wirelessdevice configuration of a plurality of channel parameters for thefollowing channels: the uplink control channel on the primary cell; theuplink data channel(s); and an uplink random access channel on the firstcell.

According to some of the various embodiments, at block 1202, thewireless device may receive a control command for transmission of arandom access preamble on a first cell in the plurality of cells. Therandom access preamble may be transmitted in parallel with at least oneof the following parallel uplink transmissions: a first control packeton an uplink control channel of the primary cell; a second packetcomprising uplink control information on an uplink data channel of oneof the plurality of cells; and the third packet(s) on the uplink datachannel(s) of the plurality of cells. The first cell may be the primarycell.

According to some of the various embodiments, the wireless device maydetermine a preamble transmission power for the random access preambleat block 1204.

According to some of the various embodiments, at block 1206, if a totalcalculated transmission power exceeds a predefined value, the wirelessdevice may reduce or scale linear transmission power of one or more ofthe parallel uplink transmission(s) according to a predefined ruleconsidering a higher priority for the transmission power of the randomaccess preamble compared with a transmission priority of: the firstcontrol packet; the second packet; and the third packet(s). Thepredefined value may be a configured maximum transmission power of thewireless device.

According to some of the various embodiments, a configured soundingreference signal transmission may be dropped if the total calculatedtransmission power exceeds a predefined value. According to some of thevarious embodiments, a transmission period of the random access preamblemay be more than one subframe. According to some of the variousembodiments, a transmission period of the random access preamble mayoverlap a first subframe and a second subframe.

FIG. 13 is an example flow diagram illustrating a process for soundingreference signal transmission as per an aspect of an embodiment of thepresent invention. According to some of the various embodiments, awireless device may receive control message(s) from a base station at1300. The control message(s) may cause in the wireless device theconfiguration of a plurality of cells. The plurality of cells maycomprise a primary cell and secondary cell(s). The control message(s)may cause in the wireless device the assignment of each of the secondarycell(s) to a cell group in a plurality of cell groups. The plurality ofcell groups may comprise a primary cell group and a secondary cellgroup. The primary cell group may comprise a first subset of theplurality of cells. The subset may comprise the primary cell. Asecondary cell group may comprise a second subset of the secondarycell(s). The control message(s) may cause in the wireless deviceconfiguration of transmissions of sounding reference signals on a firstcell in the plurality of cells. The first cell may be assigned to afirst cell group in the plurality of cell groups. The control message(s)may cause in the wireless device configuration of random accesschannel(s). The control message(s) may cause in the wireless deviceconfiguration of data channel(s). The first random access preamble maybe transmitted on one of the random access channel(s) and the firstuplink data packet may be transmitted on one of the data channel(s). Thefirst cell group may be one of: the primary cell group; and thesecondary cell group.

According to some of the various embodiments, at block 1302, thewireless device may transmit one or more of the sounding referencesignals on the first cell in parallel with the transmission of at leastone of: a first random access preamble; and a first uplink data packet.The sounding reference signals may be configured to be transmittedduring a time period. The one or more of the sounding reference signalsmay be transmitted on the last symbol of a plurality of subframes. In anexample embodiment, he sounding reference signals may be type zerosounding reference signals and/or type one sounding reference signals.

According to some of the various embodiments, a first sounding referencesignal (SRS) may be one of the sounding reference signals. The wirelessdevice may be configured to not transmit the first sounding referencesignal on the first cell if the first sounding reference signaltransmission and a second random access preamble transmission in thefirst cell group coincide in the same subframe. The first SRS may bedropped because the first SRS transmission coincides with the secondrandom preamble transmission and both are scheduled for transmission inthe same first cell group. The wireless device may be configured to nottransmit the first sounding reference signal on the first cell if thewireless device has insufficient power to transmit the first soundingreference signal in parallel with a third random access preamble whenthe third random access preamble transmission and the first soundingreference signal coincide in the same subframe. SRS signal may have alower transmission priority compared with any of the PUCCH, randomaccess preamble, PUSCH packet, and then UE does not have insufficientpower to transmit SRS with any of these signals, the UE may drop SRStransmission. The wireless device may be configured to not transmit thefirst sounding reference signal on the first cell if the wireless devicehas insufficient power to transmit the first sounding reference signalin parallel with a second uplink data packet transmission when thesecond uplink data packet transmission and the first sounding referencesignal coincide in the same subframe. In an example scenario, the firstcell group may be out of sync when the second random access preamble istransmitted on the first cell group.

According to some of the various embodiments, transmission of said firstSRS signal is dropped if the first sounding reference signaltransmission and a third uplink data packet transmission in the firstcell group coincide in the same subframe. Transmission of said first SRSsignal is dropped if the first sounding reference signal transmissionand an uplink physical control packet transmission in the first cellgroup may coincide in the same subframe. In general, an SRS signal maybe dropped if any of PUCCH packet, PUSCH packet, and preamble packetcoincides with SRS transmission symbol in the same cell group.

According to some of the various embodiments, the wireless device maygive the sounding reference signal transmission power a lower prioritycompared with: a priority of a transmission power of the third randomaccess preamble; and a priority of a transmission power of the seconduplink data packet transmission.

According to some of the various embodiments, the first random accesspreamble may be transmitted on a second cell of a second cell group. Thesecond cell group may be different from the first cell group. The firstuplink data packet may be transmitted on a second cell of a second cellgroup. The second cell group may be different from the first cell group.

According to some of the various embodiments, a wireless device mayreceive control message(s) from a base station at block 1300. Thecontrol message(s) may cause in the wireless device the configuration ofa plurality of cells comprising a primary cell and secondary cell(s).The control message(s) may cause in the wireless device assignment ofeach of the secondary cell(s) to a cell group in a plurality of cellgroups. The control message(s) may cause in the wireless device theconfiguration of transmissions of sounding reference signals on a firstcell in the plurality of cells. The first cell may be assigned to afirst cell group in the plurality of cell groups.

FIG. 14 is an example flow diagram illustrating parallel transmission ofa random access preamble with other uplink packets as per an aspect ofan embodiment of the present invention. According to some of the variousembodiments, a wireless device may receive control message(s) from abase station at 1400. The control message(s) may cause in the wirelessdevice the configuration of a plurality of cells. The plurality of cellsmay comprise a primary cell and secondary cell(s). The controlmessage(s) may cause in the wireless device the assignment of each ofthe secondary cell(s) to a cell group in a plurality of cell groups. Theplurality of cell groups may comprise a primary cell group and asecondary cell group. The primary cell group may comprise a first subsetof the plurality of cells. The subset may comprise the primary cell. Thesecondary cell group may comprise a second subset of the secondarycell(s). The control message(s) may cause in the wireless device theconfiguration of random access channel(s). The control message(s) maycause in the wireless device the configuration of uplink data channel(s)on the plurality of cells. The control message(s) may cause in thewireless device the configuration of an uplink control channel of theprimary cell. The control message(s) may further cause in the wirelessdevice the configuration of a plurality of channel parameters for: theuplink control channel on the primary cell; the uplink data channel(s);and an uplink random access channel on the first cell.

According to some of the various embodiments, at block 1402, thewireless device may receive a control command for transmission of arandom access preamble on a first cell in the plurality of cells. Afourth packet may be scheduled for parallel uplink transmission with therandom access preamble transmission. The fourth packet may be a firstcontrol packet on the uplink control channel. The fourth packet may be asecond packet. The second packet may comprise uplink control informationon an uplink data channel in the uplink channel(s). The fourth packetmay be a third packet on an uplink data channel of the plurality ofcells. In an example embodiment the first cell may be the primary cellor a secondary cell.

According to some of the various embodiments, at block 1404, thewireless device may transmit the random access preamble on one of therandom access channel(s). The wireless device may transmit the fourthpacket in parallel with the random access preamble, unless the randomaccess preamble and the fourth packet are scheduled for transmission inthe same cell group. It is assumed that the wireless device is capableof transmission of the fourth packet if the random access preamble wasnot scheduled in the same subframe. It is also assumed that the wirelessdevice has at least some power for transmission of the fourth packetaccording to a power allocation scheme. Examples of power allocationschemes and power prioritization are disclosed in the embodiment.Therefore, the assumption is that other reasons for droppingtransmission of the fourth packet do not exist.

According to some of the various embodiments, the wireless device mayreduce or scale the transmission power of the fourth packet such that atotal calculated transmission power is equal to or less than apredefined value. The transmission power priorities may be employed bythe wireless device to reduce or scale the linear transmission power ofthe packet such that a total calculated transmission power is equal toor less than a predefined value. The random access preamble transmissionmay have a higher priority compared with a transmission priority of thepacket. The reduction and scaling of the linear transmission power maybe performed over a period of one subframe. The first cell group may beout of sync when the random access preamble is transmitted on the firstcell group.

According to some of the various embodiments, the transmission period ofthe random access preamble may be more than one subframe. Thetransmission period of the random access preamble may overlap a firstsubframe and a second subframe. According to some of the variousembodiments, the wireless device may transmit each of the following inparallel only if they are transmitted on different cell groups: therandom access preamble; the first control packet; and a soundingreference signal. According to some of the various embodiments, thewireless device may transmit each of the following in parallel only ifthey are transmitted on different cell groups: the random accesspreamble; the third data packet; and a sounding reference signal.

According to some of the various embodiments, a wireless device mayreceive control message(s) from a base station at 1400. The controlmessage(s) may cause in the wireless device the configuration of aplurality of cells. The plurality of cells may comprise a primary celland secondary cell(s). The control message(s) may cause in the wirelessdevice the assignment of each of the secondary cell(s) to a cell groupin a plurality of cell groups. The plurality of cell groups may comprisea comprise primary cell group and a secondary cell group. The primarycell group may comprise the primary cell. The secondary cell group maycomprise a subset of the secondary cell(s).

According to some of the various embodiments, at block 1402, thewireless device may receive a control command for transmission of arandom access preamble on a first cell in the plurality of cells. Afourth packet may be scheduled for parallel uplink transmission with therandom access preamble transmission. The fourth packet may be a firstcontrol packet on the uplink control channel of the primary cell. Thefourth packet may be a second packet. The second packet may compriseuplink control information on an uplink data channel of one of theplurality of cells. The fourth packet may be a third packet on an uplinkdata channel of the plurality of cells.

According to some of the various embodiments, at block 1404, thewireless device may transmit the random access preamble. The wirelessdevice may transmit the fourth packet in parallel with the random accesspreamble, unless the random access preamble and the fourth packet arescheduled for transmission in the same cell group. A transmission periodof the random access preamble may overlap a first subframe and a secondsubframe.

According to some of the various embodiments, the wireless device maytransmit each of the following in parallel only if they are transmittedon different cell groups: the random access preamble; the first controlpacket; and a sounding reference signal. The wireless device maytransmit each of the following in parallel only if they are transmittedon different cell groups: the random access preamble; the third datapacket; and a sounding reference signal.

According to some of the various embodiments, the wireless device maycomprise communication interface(s), processor(s), and memory. Thememory may store instructions. The processor(s) may execute theinstructions to cause actions described herein.

According to some of the various aspects of embodiments, the randomaccess procedure may be initiated by a PDCCH order or by the MACsublayer itself. Random access procedure on an SCell may be initiated bya PDCCH order. If a UE receives a PDCCH transmission consistent with aPDCCH order masked with its C-RNTI (radio network temporary identifier),and for a specific serving cell, the UE may initiate a random accessprocedure on this serving cell. For random access on the PCell a PDCCHorder or RRC optionally indicate the ra-PreambleIndex and thera-PRACH-MaskIndex; and for random access on an SCell, the PDCCH orderindicates the ra-PreambleIndex with a value different from zero and thera-PRACH-MaskIndex. For the pTAG preamble transmission on PRACH andreception of a PDCCH order may only be supported for PCell.

According to some of the various aspects of embodiments, the proceduremay use some of the following information: a) the available set of PRACHresources for the transmission of the random access preamble,prach-ConfigIndex, b) for PCell, the groups of random access preamblesand/or the set of available random access preambles in each group, c)for PCell, the preambles that are contained in random access preamblesgroup A and Random Access Preambles group B are calculated, d) the RAresponse window size ra-ResponseWindowSize, e) the power-ramping factorpowerRampingStep, f) the maximum number of preamble transmissionpreambleTransMax, g) the initial preamble powerpreambleInitialReceivedTargetPower, h) the preamble format based offsetDELTA_PREAMBLE, i) for PCell, the maximum number of Msg3 HARQtransmissions maxHARQ-Msg3Tx, j) for PCell, the Contention ResolutionTimer mac-ContentionResolutionTimer. These parameters may be updatedfrom upper layers before each Random Access procedure is initiated.

According to some of the various aspects of embodiments, the RandomAccess procedure may be performed as follows: Flush the Msg3 buffer; setthe PREAMBLE_TRANSMISSION_COUNTER to 1; set the backoff parameter valuein the UE to 0 ms; for the RN (relay node), suspend any RN subframeconfiguration; proceed to the selection of the Random Access Resource.There may be one Random Access procedure ongoing at any point in time.If the UE receives a request for a new Random Access procedure whileanother is already ongoing, it may be up to UE implementation whether tocontinue with the ongoing procedure or start with the new procedure.

According to some of the various aspects of embodiments, the RandomAccess Resource selection procedure may be performed as follows. Ifra-PreambleIndex (Random Access Preamble) and ra-PRACH-MaskIndex (PRACHMask Index) have been explicitly signalled and ra-PreambleIndex is notzero, then the Random Access Preamble and the PRACH Mask Index may bethose explicitly signalled. Otherwise, the Random Access Preamble may beselected by the UE.

The UE may determine the next available subframe containing PRACHpermitted by the restrictions given by the prach-ConfigIndex, the PRACHMask Index and physical layer timing requirements (a UE may take intoaccount the possible occurrence of measurement gaps when determining thenext available PRACH subframe). If the transmission mode is TDD and thePRACH Mask Index is equal to zero, then if ra-PreambleIndex wasexplicitly signalled and it was not 0 (i.e., not selected by MAC), thenrandomly select, with equal probability, one PRACH from the PRACHsavailable in the determined subframe. Else, the UE may randomly select,with equal probability, one PRACH from the PRACHs available in thedetermined subframe and the next two consecutive subframes. If thetransmission mode is not TDD or the PRACH Mask Index is not equal tozero, a UE may determine a PRACH within the determined subframe inaccordance with the requirements of the PRACH Mask Index. Then the UEmay proceed to the transmission of the Random Access Preamble.

PRACH mask index values may range for example from 0 to 16. PRACH maskindex value may determine the allowed PRACH resource index that may beused for transmission. For example, PRACH mask index 0 may mean that allPRACH resource indeces are allowed; or PRACH mask index 1 may mean thatPRACH resource index 0 may be used. PRACH mask index may have differentmeaning in TDD and FDD systems.

The random-access procedure may be performed by UE settingPREAMBLE_RECEIVED_TARGET_POWER topreambleInitialReceivedTargetPower+DELTA_PREAMBLE+(PREAMBLE_TRANSMISSION_COUNTER−1)*powerRampingStep.The UE may instruct the physical layer to transmit a preamble using theselected PRACH, corresponding RA-RNTI, preamble index andPREAMBLE_RECEIVED_TARGET_POWER.

According to some of the various aspects of embodiments, once the randomaccess preamble is transmitted and regardless of the possible occurrenceof a measurement gap, the UE may monitor the PDCCH of the PCell forrandom access response(s) identified by the RA-RNTI (random access radionetwork identifier) a specific RA-RNTI defined below, in the randomaccess response (RAR) window which may start at the subframe thatcontains the end of the preamble transmission plus three subframes andhas length ra-ResponseWindowSize subframes. The specific RA-RNTIassociated with the PRACH in which the Random Access Preamble istransmitted, is computed as: RA-RNTI=1+t_id+10*f_id. Where t_id is theindex of the first subframe of the specified PRACH (0≦t_id<10), and f_idis the index of the specified PRACH within that subframe, in ascendingorder of frequency domain (0≦f_id<6). The UE may stop monitoring forRAR(s) after successful reception of a RAR containing random accesspreamble identifiers that matches the transmitted random accesspreamble.

According to some of the various aspects of embodiments, if a downlinkassignment for this TTI (transmission tme interval) has been received onthe PDCCH for the RA-RNTI and the received TB (transport block) issuccessfully decoded, the UE may regardless of the possible occurrenceof a measurement gap: if the RAR contains a backoff indicator (BI)subheader, set the backoff parameter value in the UE employing the BIfield of the backoff indicator subheader, else, set the backoffparameter value in the UE to zero ms. If the RAR contains a randomaccess preamble identifier corresponding to the transmitted randomaccess preamble, the UE may consider this RAR reception successful andapply the following actions for the serving cell where the random accesspreamble was transmitted: process the received riming advance commandfor the cell group in which the preamble was transmitted, indicate thepreambleInitialReceivedTargetPower and the amount of power rampingapplied to the latest preamble transmission to lower layers (i.e.,(PREAMBLE_TRANSMISSION_COUNTER−1)*powerRampingStep); process thereceived uplink grant value and indicate it to the lower layers; theuplink grant is applicable to uplink of the cell in which the preamblewas transmitted. If ra-PreambleIndex was explicitly signalled and it wasnot zero (e.g., not selected by MAC), consider the random accessprocedure successfully completed. Otherwise, if the Random AccessPreamble was selected by UE MAC, set the Temporary C-RNTI to the valuereceived in the RAR message. When an uplink transmission is required,e.g., for contention resolution, the eNB may not provide a grant smallerthan 56 bits in the Random Access Response.

According to some of the various aspects of embodiments, if no RAR isreceived within the RAR window, or if none of all received RAR containsa random access preamble identifier corresponding to the transmittedrandom access preamble, the random access response reception mayconsidered not successful. If RAR is not received, UE may incrementPREAMBLE_TRANSMISSION_COUNTER by 1. IfPREAMBLE_TRANSMISSION_COUNTER=preambleTransMax+1 and random accesspreamble is transmitted on the PCell, then UE may indicate a randomaccess problem to upper layers (RRC). This may result in radio linkfailure. If PREAMBLE_TRANSMISSION_COUNTER=preambleTransMax+1 and therandom access preamble is transmitted on an SCell, then UE may considerthe random access procedure unsuccessfully completed. UE may stay in RRCconnected mode and keep the RRC connection active eventhough a randomaccess procedure unsuccessfully completed on a secondary TAG. Accordingto some of the various aspects of embodiments, at completion of therandom access procedure, the UE may discard explicitly signalledra-PreambleIndex and ra-PRACH-MaskIndex, if any; and flush the HARQbuffer used for transmission of the MAC PDU in the Msg3 buffer. Inaddition, the RN may resume the suspended RN subframe configuration, ifany.

According to some of the various aspects of embodiments, The UE may havea configurable timer timeAlignmentTimer per TAG. The timeAlignmentTimeris used to control how long the UE considers the Serving Cells belongingto the associated TAG to be uplink time aligned (in-sync). When a TimingAdvance Command MAC control element is received, the UE may apply theriming advance command for the indicated TAG, and start or restart thetimeAlignmentTimer associated with the indicated TAG. When a timingadvance command is received in a RAR message for a serving cellbelonging to a TAG and if the random access preamble was not selected byUE MAC, the UE may apply the timing advance command for this TAG, andmay start or restart the timeAlignmentTimer associated with this TAG.When a timeAlignmentTimer associated with the pTAG expires, the UE may:flush all HARQ buffers for all serving cells; notify RRC to releasePUCCH/SRS for all serving cells; clear any configured downlinkassignments and uplink grants; and consider all runningtimeAlignmentTimers as expired. When a timeAlignmentTimer associatedwith an sTAG expires, then for all Serving Cells belonging to this TAG,the UE may flush all HARQ buffers; and notify RRC to release SRS. The UEmay not perform any uplink transmission on a serving Cell except therandom access preamble transmission when the timeAlignmentTimerassociated with the TAG to which this serving cell belongs is notrunning. When the timeAlignmentTimer associated with the pTAG is notrunning, the UE may not perform any uplink transmission on any servingcell except the random access preamble transmission on the PCell. A UEstores or maintains N_TA (current timing advance value of an sTAG) uponexpiry of associated timeAlignmentTimer. The UE may apply a receivedtiming advance command MAC control element and starts associatedtimeAlignmentTimer. Transmission of the uplink radio frame number i fromthe UE may start (N_(TA)+N_(TA offset))×T_(s) seconds before the startof the corresponding downlink radio frame at the UE, where0≦N_(TA)≦20512. In an example implementation, N_(TA offset)=0 for framestructure type 1 (FDD) and N_(TA offset)=624 for frame structure type 2(TDD).

According to some of the various aspects of embodiments, upon receptionof a timing advance command for a TAG containing the primary cell, theUE may adjust uplink transmission timing for PUCCH/PUSCH/SRS of theprimary cell based on the received timing advance command. The ULtransmission timing for PUSCH/SRS of a secondary cell may be the same asthe primary cell if the secondary cell and the primary cell belong tothe same TAG. Upon reception of a timing advance command for a TAG notcontaining the primary cell, the UE may adjust uplink transmissiontiming for PUSCH/SRS of secondary cells in the TAG based on the receivedtiming advance command where the UL transmission timing for PUSCH/SRS isthe same for all the secondary cells in the TAG.

The timing advance command for a TAG may indicates the change of theuplink timing relative to the current uplink timing for the TAG asmultiples of 16 Ts (Ts: sampling time unit). The start timing of therandom access preamble may obtained employing a downlink synchronizationtime in the same TAG. In case of random access response, an 11-bittiming advance command, TA, for a TAG may indicate NTA values by indexvalues of TA=0, 1, 2, . . . , 1282, where an amount of the timealignment for the TAG may be given by NTA=TA×16. In other cases, a 6-bittiming advance command, TA, for a TAG may indicate adjustment of thecurrent NTA value, NTA,old, to the new NTA value, NTA,new, by indexvalues of TA=0, 1, 2, . . . , 63, where NTA,new=NTA,old+(TA−31)×16.Here, adjustment of NTA value by a positive or a negative amountindicates advancing or delaying the uplink transmission timing for theTAG by a given amount respectively. For a timing advance commandreceived on subframe n, the corresponding adjustment of the uplinktransmission timing may apply from the beginning of subframe n+6. Forserving cells in the same TAG, when the UE's uplink PUCCH/PUSCH/SRStransmissions in subframe n and subframe n+1 are overlapped due to thetiming adjustment, the UE may complete transmission of subframe n andnot transmit the overlapped part of subframe n+1. If the receiveddownlink timing changes and is not compensated or is only partlycompensated by the uplink timing adjustment without timing advancecommand, the UE may change NTA accordingly.

Downlink frames and subframes of downlink carriers are time aligned (bythe base station) in carrier aggregation and multiple TAG configuration.Time alignment errors may be tolerated to some extend. For example, forintra-band contiguous carrier aggregation, time alignment error may notexceed 130 ns. In another example, for intra-band non-contiguous carrieraggregation, time alignment error may not exceed 260 ns. In anotherexample, for inter-band carrier aggregation, time alignment error maynot exceed 1.3 μs.

The UE may have capability to follow the frame timing change of theconnected base station. The uplink frame transmission may take place(N_(TA)+N_(TA offset))×T_(s) before the reception of the first detectedpath (in time) of the corresponding downlink frame from the referencecell. The UE may be configured with a pTAG containing the PCell. ThepTAG may also contain one or more SCells, if configured. The UE may alsobe configured with one or more sTAGs, in which case the pTAG may containone PCell and the sTAG may contain at least one SCell with configureduplink. In pTAG, UE may use the PCell as the reference cell for derivingthe UE transmit timing for cells in the pTAG. The UE may employ asynchronization signal on the reference cell to drive downlink timing.When a UE is configured with an sTAG, the UE may use an activated SCellfrom the sTAG for deriving the UE transmit timing for cell in the sTAG.

In at least one of the various embodiments, uplink physical channel(s)may correspond to a set of resource elements carrying informationoriginating from higher layers. The following example uplink physicalchannel(s) may be defined for uplink: a) Physical Uplink Shared Channel(PUSCH), b) Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH), c) Physical RandomAccess Channel (PRACH), and/or the like. Uplink physical signal(s) maybe used by the physical layer and may not carry information originatingfrom higher layers. For example, reference signal(s) may be consideredas uplink physical signal(s). Transmitted signal(s) in slot(s) may bedescribed by one or several resource grids including, for example,subcarriers and SC-FDMA or OFDMA symbols. Antenna port(s) may be definedsuch that the channel over which symbol(s) on antenna port(s) may beconveyed and/or inferred from the channel over which other symbol(s) onthe same antenna port(s) is/are conveyed. There may be one resource gridper antenna port. The antenna port(s) used for transmission of physicalchannel(s) or signal(s) may depend on the number of antenna port(s)configured for the physical channel(s) or signal(s).

According to some of the various aspects of embodiments, cell search maybe the procedure by which a wireless device may acquire time andfrequency synchronization with a cell and may detect the physical layerCell ID of that cell (transmitter). An example embodiment forsynchronization signal and cell search is presented below. A cell searchmay support a scalable overall transmission bandwidth corresponding to 6resource blocks and upwards. Primary and secondary synchronizationsignals may be transmitted in the downlink and may facilitate cellsearch. For example, 504 unique physical-layer cell identities may bedefined using synchronization signals. The physical-layer cellidentities may be grouped into 168 unique physical-layer cell-identitygroups, group(s) containing three unique identities. The grouping may besuch that physical-layer cell identit(ies) is part of a physical-layercell-identity group. A physical-layer cell identity may be defined by anumber in the range of 0 to 167, representing the physical-layercell-identity group, and a number in the range of 0 to 2, representingthe physical-layer identity within the physical-layer cell-identitygroup. The synchronization signal may include a primary synchronizationsignal and a secondary synchronization signal.

According to some of the various embodiments, physical downlink controlchannel(s) may carry transport format, scheduling assignments, uplinkpower control, and other control information. PDCCH may support multipleformats. Multiple PDCCH packets may be transmitted in a subframe.According to some of the various embodiments, scheduling controlpacket(s) may be transmitted for packet(s) or group(s) of packetstransmitted in downlink shared channel(s). Scheduling control packet(s)may include information about subcarriers used for packettransmission(s). PDCCH may also provide power control commands foruplink channels. PDCCH channel(s) may carry a plurality of downlinkcontrol packets in subframe(s). Enhance PDCCH may be implemented in acell as an option to carrier control information. According to some ofthe various embodiments, PHICH may carry the hybrid-ARQ (automaticrepeat request) ACK/NACK.

Other arrangements for PCFICH, PHICH, PDCCH, enhanced PDCCH, and/orPDSCH may be supported. The configurations presented here are forexample purposes. In another example, resources PCFICH, PHICH, and/orPDCCH radio resources may be transmitted in radio resources including asubset of subcarriers and pre-defined time duration in each or some ofthe subframes. In an example, PUSCH resource(s) may start from the firstsymbol. In another example embodiment, radio resource configuration(s)for PUSCH, PUCCH, and/or PRACH (physical random access channel) may usea different configuration. For example, channels may be timemultiplexed, or time/frequency multiplexed when mapped to uplink radioresources.

According to some of the various aspects of embodiments, the physicallayer random access preamble may comprise a cyclic prefix of length Tcpand a sequence part of length Tseq. The parameter values may bepre-defined and depend on the frame structure and a random accessconfiguration. In an example embodiment, Tcp may be 0.1 msec, and Tseqmay be 0.9 msec. Higher layers may control the preamble format. Thetransmission of a random access preamble, if triggered by the MAC layer,may be restricted to certain time and frequency resources. The start ofa random access preamble may be aligned with the start of thecorresponding uplink subframe at a wireless device.

According to an example embodiment, random access preambles may begenerated from Zadoff-Chu sequences with a zero correlation zone,generated from one or several root Zadoff-Chu sequences. In anotherexample embodiment, the preambles may also be generated using otherrandom sequences such as Gold sequences. The network may configure theset of preamble sequences a wireless device may be allowed to use.According to some of the various aspects of embodiments, there may be amultitude of preambles (e.g. 64) available in cell(s). From the physicallayer perspective, the physical layer random access procedure mayinclude the transmission of random access preamble(s) and random accessresponse(s). Remaining message(s) may be scheduled for transmission by ahigher layer on the shared data channel and may not be considered partof the physical layer random access procedure. For example, a randomaccess channel may occupy 6 resource blocks in a subframe or set ofconsecutive subframes reserved for random access preamble transmissions.

According to some of the various embodiments, the following actions maybe followed for a physical random access procedure: 1) layer 1 proceduremay be triggered upon request of a preamble transmission by higherlayers; 2) a preamble index, a target preamble received power, acorresponding RA-RNTI (random access-radio network temporary identifier)and/or a PRACH resource may be indicated by higher layers as part of arequest; 3) a preamble transmission power P_PRACH may be determined; 4)a preamble sequence may be selected from the preamble sequence set usingthe preamble index; 5) a single preamble may be transmitted usingselected preamble sequence(s) with transmission power P_PRACH on theindicated PRACH resource; 6) detection of a PDCCH with the indicated RARmay be attempted during a window controlled by higher layers; and/or thelike. If detected, the corresponding downlink shared channel transportblock may be passed to higher layers. The higher layers may parsetransport block(s) and/or indicate an uplink grant to the physicallayer(s).

According to some of the various aspects of embodiments, a random accessprocedure may be initiated by a physical downlink control channel(PDCCH) order and/or by the MAC sublayer in a wireless device. If awireless device receives a PDCCH transmission consistent with a PDCCHorder masked with its radio identifier, the wireless device may initiatea random access procedure. Preamble transmission(s) on physical randomaccess channel(s) (PRACH) may be supported on a first uplink carrier andreception of a PDCCH order may be supported on a first downlink carrier.

Before a wireless device initiates transmission of a random accesspreamble, it may access one or many of the following types ofinformation: a) available set(s) of PRACH resources for the transmissionof a random access preamble; b) group(s) of random access preambles andset(s) of available random access preambles in group(s); c) randomaccess response window size(s); d) power-ramping factor(s); e) maximumnumber(s) of preamble transmission(s); f) initial preamble power; g)preamble format based offset(s); h) contention resolution timer(s);and/or the like. These parameters may be updated from upper layers ormay be received from the base station before random access procedure(s)may be initiated.

According to some of the various aspects of embodiments, a wirelessdevice may select a random access preamble using available information.The preamble may be signaled by a base station or the preamble may berandomly selected by the wireless device. The wireless device maydetermine the next available subframe containing PRACH permitted byrestrictions given by the base station and the physical layer timingrequirements for TDD or FDD. Subframe timing and the timing oftransmitting the random access preamble may be determined based, atleast in part, on synchronization signals received from the base stationand/or the information received from the base station. The wirelessdevice may proceed to the transmission of the random access preamblewhen it has determined the timing. The random access preamble may betransmitted on a second plurality of subcarriers on the first uplinkcarrier.

According to some of the various aspects of embodiments, once a randomaccess preamble is transmitted, a wireless device may monitor the PDCCHof a primary carrier for random access response(s), in a random accessresponse window. There may be a pre-known identifier in PDCCH thatidentifies a random access response. The wireless device may stopmonitoring for random access response(s) after successful reception of arandom access response containing random access preamble identifiersthat matches the transmitted random access preamble and/or a randomaccess response address to a wireless device identifier. A base stationrandom access response may include a time alignment command. Thewireless device may process the received time alignment command and mayadjust its uplink transmission timing according the time alignment valuein the command. For example, in a random access response, a timealignment command may be coded using 11 bits, where an amount of thetime alignment may be based on the value in the command. In an exampleembodiment, when an uplink transmission is required, the base stationmay provide the wireless device a grant for uplink transmission.

If no random access response is received within the random accessresponse window, and/or if none of the received random access responsescontains a random access preamble identifier corresponding to thetransmitted random access preamble, the random access response receptionmay be considered unsuccessful and the wireless device may, based on thebackoff parameter in the wireless device, select a random backoff timeand delay the subsequent random access transmission by the backoff time,and may retransmit another random access preamble.

According to some of the various aspects of embodiments, a wirelessdevice may transmit packets on an uplink carrier. Uplink packettransmission timing may be calculated in the wireless device using thetiming of synchronization signal(s) received in a downlink. Uponreception of a timing alignment command by the wireless device, thewireless device may adjust its uplink transmission timing. The timingalignment command may indicate the change of the uplink timing relativeto the current uplink timing. The uplink transmission timing for anuplink carrier may be determined using time alignment commands and/ordownlink reference signals.

According to some of the various aspects of embodiments, a timealignment command may indicate timing adjustment for transmission ofsignals on uplink carriers. For example, a time alignment command mayuse 6 bits. Adjustment of the uplink timing by a positive or a negativeamount indicates advancing or delaying the uplink transmission timing bya given amount respectively.

For a timing alignment command received on subframe n, the correspondingadjustment of the timing may be applied with some delay, for example, itmay be applied from the beginning of subframe n+6. When the wirelessdevice's uplink transmissions in subframe n and subframe n+1 areoverlapped due to the timing adjustment, the wireless device maytransmit complete subframe n and may not transmit the overlapped part ofsubframe n+1.

According to some of the various aspects of embodiments, controlmessage(s) or control packet(s) may be scheduled for transmission in aphysical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) and/or physical uplink sharedchannel PUSCH. PDSCH and PUSCH may carry control and datamessage(s)/packet(s). Control message(s) and/or packet(s) may beprocessed before transmission. For example, the control message(s)and/or packet(s) may be fragmented or multiplexed before transmission. Acontrol message in an upper layer may be processed as a data packet inthe MAC or physical layer. For example, system information block(s),radio resource control messages, and data traffic may be scheduled fortransmission in PDSCH.

According to some of the various aspects of embodiments, a wirelessdevice may be preconfigured with one or more carriers. When the wirelessdevice is configured with more than one carrier, the base station and/orwireless device may activate and/or deactivate the configured carriers.One of the carriers (the primary carrier) may always be activated. Othercarriers may be deactivated by default and/or may be activated by a basestation when needed. A base station may activate and deactivate carriersby sending an activation/deactivation MAC control element. Furthermore,the UE may maintain a carrier deactivation timer per configured carrierand deactivate the associated carrier upon its expiry. The same initialtimer value may apply to instance(s) of the carrier deactivation timer.The initial value of the timer may be configured by a network. Theconfigured carriers (unless the primary carrier) may be initiallydeactivated upon addition and after a handover.

According to some of the various aspects of embodiments, if a wirelessdevice receives an activation/deactivation MAC control elementactivating the carrier, the wireless device may activate the carrier,and/or may apply normal carrier operation including: sounding referencesignal transmissions on the carrier (if the carrier is uplink timealigned), CQI (channel quality indicator)/PMI(precoding matrixindicator)/RI(ranking indicator) reporting for the carrier, PDCCHmonitoring on the carrier, PDCCH monitoring for the carrier, start orrestart the carrier deactivation timer associated with the carrier,and/or the like. If the device receives an activation/deactivation MACcontrol element deactivating the carrier, and/or if the carrierdeactivation timer associated with the activated carrier expires, thebase station or device may deactivate the carrier, and may stop thecarrier deactivation timer associated with the carrier, and/or may flushHARQ buffers associated with the carrier.

If PDCCH on a carrier scheduling the activated carrier indicates anuplink grant or a downlink assignment for the activated carrier, thedevice may restart the carrier deactivation timer associated with thecarrier. When a carrier is deactivated, the wireless device may nottransmit SRS (sounding reference signal) for the carrier, may not reportCQI/PMI/RI for the carrier, may not transmit on UL-SCH for the carrier,may not monitor the PDCCH on the carrier, and/or may not monitor thePDCCH for the carrier.

A process to assign subcarriers to data packets may be executed by a MAClayer scheduler. The decision on assigning subcarriers to a packet maybe made based on data packet size, resources required for transmissionof data packets (number of radio resource blocks), modulation and codingassigned to data packet(s), QoS required by the data packets (i.e. QoSparameters assigned to data packet bearer), the service class of asubscriber receiving the data packet, or subscriber device capability, acombination of the above, and/or the like.

According to some of the various aspects of embodiments, packets may bereferred to service data units and/or protocols data units at Layer 1,Layer 2 and/or Layer 3 of the communications network. Layer 2 in an LTEnetwork may include three sub-layers: PDCP sub-layer, RLC sub-layer, andMAC sub-layer. A layer 2 packet may be a PDCP packet, an RLC packet or aMAC layer packet. Layer 3 in an LTE network may be Internet Protocol(IP) layer, and a layer 3 packet may be an IP data packet. Packets maybe transmitted and received via an air interface physical layer. Apacket at the physical layer may be called a transport block. Many ofthe various embodiments may be implemented at one or many differentcommunication network layers. For example, some of the actions may beexecuted by the PDCP layer and some others by the MAC layer or PHYlayer.

According to some of the various aspects of embodiments, a radio bearermay be a GBR (guaranteed bit rate) bearer and/or a non-GBR bearer. A GBRand/or guaranteed bit rate bearer may be employed for transfer ofreal-time packets, and/or a non-GBR bearer may be used for transfer ofnon-real-time packets. The non-GBR bearer may be assigned a plurality ofattributes including: a scheduling priority, an allocation and retentionpriority, a portable device aggregate maximum bit rate, and/or the like.These parameters may be used by the scheduler in scheduling non-GBRpackets. GBR bearers may be assigned attributes such as delay, jitter,packet loss parameters, and/or the like.

According to some of the various aspects of embodiments, the transmitterin the disclosed embodiments of the present invention may be a wirelessdevice (also called user equipment), a base station (also calledeNodeB), a relay node transmitter, and/or the like. The receiver in thedisclosed embodiments of the present invention may be a wireless device(also called user equipment-UE), a base station (also called eNodeB), arelay node receiver, and/or the like.

According to some of the various aspects of embodiments, the MAC layerin some wireless device(s) may report buffer size(s) of either a singleLogical Channel Group (LCG) or a group of LCGs to a base station. An LCGmay be a group of logical channels identified by an LCG ID. The mappingof logical channel(s) to LCG may be set up during radio configuration.Buffer status report(s) may be used by a MAC scheduler to assign radioresources for packet transmission from wireless device(s). HARQ and ARQprocesses may be used for packet retransmission to enhance thereliability of radio transmission and reduce the overall probability ofpacket loss.

In this specification, “a” and “an” and similar phrases are to beinterpreted as “at least one” and “one or more.” In this specification,the term “may” is to be interpreted as “may, for example,” In otherwords, the term “may” is indicative that the phrase following the term“may” is an example of one of a multitude of suitable possibilities thatmay, or may not, be employed to one or more of the various embodiments.If A and B are sets and every element of A is also an element of B, A iscalled a subset of B. In this specification, only non-empty sets andsubsets are considered. For example, possible subsets of B={cell1,cell2} are: {cell1}, {cell2}, and {cell1, cell2}.

In this specification, parameters (Information elements: IEs) maycomprise one or more objects, and each of those objects may comprise oneor more other objects. For example, if parameter (IE) N comprisesparameter (IE) M, and parameter (IE) M comprises parameter (IE) K, andparameter (IE) K comprises parameter (information element) J, then, forexample, N comprises K, and N comprises J.

Many of the elements described in the disclosed embodiments may beimplemented as modules. A module is defined here as an isolatableelement that performs a defined function and has a defined interface toother elements. The modules described in this disclosure may beimplemented in hardware, software in combination with hardware,firmware, wetware (i.e hardware with a biological element) or acombination thereof, all of which are behaviorally equivalent. Forexample, modules may be implemented as a software routine written in acomputer language configured to be executed by a hardware machine (suchas C, C++, Fortran, Java, Basic, Matlab or the like) or amodeling/simulation program such as Simulink, Stateflow, GNU Octave, orLab VIEWMathScript. Additionally, it may be possible to implementmodules using physical hardware that incorporates discrete orprogrammable analog, digital and/or quantum hardware. Examples ofprogrammable hardware comprise: computers, microcontrollers,microprocessors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs); fieldprogrammable gate arrays (FPGAs); and complex programmable logic devices(CPLDs). Computers, microcontrollers and microprocessors are programmedusing languages such as assembly, C, C++ or the like. FPGAs, ASICs andCPLDs are often programmed using hardware description languages (HDL)such as VHSIC hardware description language (VHDL) or Verilog thatconfigure connections between internal hardware modules with lesserfunctionality on a programmable device. Finally, it needs to beemphasized that the above mentioned technologies are often used incombination to achieve the result of a functional module.

The disclosure of this patent document incorporates material which issubject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection tothe facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or thepatent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Officepatent file or records, for the limited purposes required by law, butotherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

While various embodiments have been described above, it should beunderstood that they have been presented by way of example, and notlimitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevantart(s) that various changes in form and detail can be made thereinwithout departing from the spirit and scope. In fact, after reading theabove description, it will be apparent to one skilled in the relevantart(s) how to implement alternative embodiments. Thus, the presentembodiments should not be limited by any of the above describedexemplary embodiments. In particular, it should be noted that, forexample purposes, the above explanation has focused on the example(s)using FDD communication systems. However, one skilled in the art willrecognize that embodiments of the invention may also be implemented inTDD communication systems. The disclosed methods and systems may beimplemented in wireless or wireline systems. The features of variousembodiments presented in this invention may be combined. One or manyfeatures (method or system) of one embodiment may be implemented inother embodiments. Only a limited number of example combinations areshown to indicate to one skilled in the art the possibility of featuresthat may be combined in various embodiments to create enhancedtransmission and reception systems and methods.

In addition, it should be understood that any figures which highlightthe functionality and advantages, are presented for example purposesonly. The disclosed architecture is sufficiently flexible andconfigurable, such that it may be utilized in ways other than thatshown. For example, the actions listed in any flowchart may bere-ordered or only optionally used in some embodiments.

Further, the purpose of the Abstract of the Disclosure is to enable theU.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, andespecially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art whoare not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determinequickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of thetechnical disclosure of the application. The Abstract of the Disclosureis not intended to be limiting as to the scope in any way.

Finally, it is the applicant's intent that only claims that include theexpress language “means for” or “step for” be interpreted under 35U.S.C. 112, paragraph 6. Claims that do not expressly include the phrase“means for” or “step for” are not to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112,paragraph 6.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: a) receiving, by a wirelessdevice, at least one control message from a base station, said at leastone control message causing in said wireless device: i) configuration ofa plurality of cells comprising a primary cell and at least onesecondary cell; ii) assignment of each of said at least one secondarycell to a cell group in a plurality of cell groups, said plurality ofcell groups comprising (1) a primary cell group comprising a firstsubset of said plurality of cells, said subset comprising said primarycell; and (2) a secondary cell group comprising a second subset of saidat least one secondary cell; iii) configuration of transmissions ofsounding reference signals on a first cell in said plurality of cells,said first cell being assigned to a first cell group in said pluralityof cell groups, and iv) configuration of at least one random accesschannel; v) configuration of at least one data channel; b) transmitting,by said wireless device, one or more of said sounding reference signalson said first cell in parallel with transmission of at least one of: i)a first random access preamble; and ii) a first uplink data packet; andwherein a first sounding reference signal is one of said soundingreference signals, and said wireless device is configured to nottransmit said first sounding reference signal on said first cell if atleast one of the following conditions is satisfied: (1) said firstsounding reference signal transmission and a second random accesspreamble transmission in said first cell group coincide in the samesubframe; and (2) said wireless device has insufficient power totransmit said first sounding reference signal in parallel with at leastone of: (a) a third random access preamble, said third random accesspreamble transmission and said first sounding reference signal coincidein the same subframe; and (b) a second uplink data packet transmission,said second uplink data packet transmission and said first soundingreference signal coincide in the same subframe; and wherein saidwireless device assigns said sounding reference signal transmissionpower a lower priority compared with a priority of a transmission powerof said third random access preamble and a priority of a transmissionpower of said second uplink data packet transmission.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein: a) said first random access preamble is transmitted onone of said at least one random access channel; and b) said first uplinkdata packet is transmitted on one of said at least one data channel. 3.The method of claim 1, wherein said first cell group is one of: a) saidprimary cell group; and b) said secondary cell group.
 4. The method ofclaim 1, wherein said first cell group is out of sync when said secondrandom access preamble is transmitted on said first cell group.
 5. Themethod of claim 1, wherein said first random access preamble istransmitted on a second cell of a second cell group, said second cellgroup being different from said first cell group.
 6. The method of claim1, wherein said first uplink data packet is transmitted on a second cellof a second cell group, said second cell group being different from saidfirst cell group.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein said soundingreference signals are type zero sounding reference signals.
 8. Themethod of claim 1, wherein said sounding reference signals areconfigured to be transmitted during a time period.
 9. The method ofclaim 1, wherein said one or more of said sounding reference signals aretransmitted on the last symbol of a plurality of subframes.
 10. Awireless device comprising: a) one or more communication interfaces; b)one or more processors; and c) memory storing instructions that, whenexecuted, cause said wireless device: i) receive at least one controlmessage from a base station, said at least one control message causingin said wireless device: (1) configuration of a plurality of cellscomprising a primary cell and at least one secondary cell; (2)assignment of each of said at least one secondary cell to a cell groupin a plurality of cell groups; and (3) configuration of transmissions ofsounding reference signals on a first cell in said plurality of cells,said first cell being assigned to a first cell group in said pluralityof cell groups; and ii) transmit one or more of said sounding referencesignals on said first cell in parallel with transmission of at least oneof: (1) a first random access preamble; and (2) a first uplink datapacket; and wherein a first sounding reference signal is one of saidsounding reference signals, and said wireless device is configured tonot transmit said first sounding reference signal on said first cell ifat least one of the following conditions is satisfied: (1) said firstsounding reference signal transmission and a second random accesspreamble transmission in said first cell group coincide in the samesubframe; and (2) said wireless device has insufficient power totransmit said first sounding reference signal in parallel with at leastone of: (a) a third random access preamble, said third random accesspreamble transmission and said first sounding reference signal coincidein the same subframe; and (b) a second uplink data packet transmission,said second uplink data packet transmission and said first soundingreference signal coincide in the same subframe; and wherein saidwireless device assigns said sounding reference signal transmissionpower a lower priority compared with a priority of a transmission powerof said third random access preamble and a priority of a transmissionpower of said second uplink data packet transmission.
 11. The wirelessdevice of claim 10, wherein said first sounding reference signaltransmission and a third uplink data packet transmission in said firstcell group coincide in the same subframe.
 12. The wireless device ofclaim 10, wherein said first sounding reference signal transmission andan uplink physical control packet transmission in said first cell groupcoincide in the same subframe.
 13. The wireless device of claim 10,wherein said first cell group is out of sync when said second randomaccess preamble is transmitted on said first cell group.
 14. Thewireless device of claim 10, wherein said one or more of said soundingreference signals are transmitted on the last symbol of a plurality ofsubframes.